Romanian nun dies after crucifixion

BUCHAREST, Romania (UPI) -- A Romanian priest and four nuns have been charged in the death of a nun found bound to a cross, gagged, and left alone for three days.

Police said members of the convent claim Maricica Irina Cornici, 23, was crucified as part of an exorcism ritual, the BBC reported Sunday. She was found dead Wednesday when other nuns called an ambulance. Police said she was left alone for three days without food or drink, and a towel was pushed into her mouth to muffle sounds. Initial reports indicate Cornici died from asphyxiation, and an autopsy has been scheduled.

The priest and four nuns have been charged with imprisonment leading to death.

Mediafax news agency reported that Cornici suffered from schizophrenia, the symptoms of which may have lead the priest and nuns to believe she was possessed.

"They all said she was possessed and they were trying to cast out the evil spirits," police spokeswoman Michaela Straub said.