Gary Michael Moran denies fatally shooting Father Kenneth Walker, 28, and seriously assaulting Father Joseph Terra, 56.
It's alleged he was trying to rob Mother of Mercy Mission in Phoenix on 11 June when he was caught by the priests.
The homeless man appeared at court in a wheelchair yesterday.
It's claimed he told a woman he beat and robbed a priest and bragged to her about the incident.
Police say the woman told them the Moran had given her a camera which belonged to one of the priests.