MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — A prosecutor says a Buddhist monk in southern Alabama beat to death his temple leader over an argument about food.

The Press-Register of Mobile reports (http://bit.ly/JiMQIy ) that 32-year-old Vern Phdsamay (PITS-uh-my) is charged with murder. Prosecutors say he killed Chaiwat Moleechate on May 12. Moleechate was the leader of the Wat Buddharaska Temple.

Assistant District Attorney Jo Beth Murphree says the monk used a large wooden pestle to beat the temple leader more than a dozen times.

She says the monk then went back to his living quarters, showered and washed his dishes before returning to eat.

The monk is being held on $50,000 bail. His lawyer says the allegations are out of character for a man who has dedicated himself to nonviolence and service to the community.

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Information from: Press-Register, http://www.al.com/press-register/