The priest was known for helping fellow Brazilians with immigration paperwork. Friends say he also aided homeless people.
"Jose was a kind, caring person," 39-year-old parishioner Edward K. told The Daily News. "I think his giving contributed to his downfall...He over-extended himself. Sometimes people take goodness for weakness."
De Souza had reportedly lived in the United States for about 10 years. He may have gotten mixed up with drunken thugs who regularly hang out on the Brighton Beach Boardwalk, according to the newspaper.
The Daily News reports witnesses saw two or three men beating a man who fit the victim's description the night of the murder.
"He wasn't retaliating," an unidentified witness told the paper. "They dragged him over the rails onto the beach, and that was the last I saw of him."
De Souza's body was reportedly found about an hour later, wearing only his shirt and socks.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
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