WINONA, Texas — A suspect is in custody after fatally shooting a pastor and injuring two other people Sunday at a Texas church.
#BREAKING: Smith County Sheriff's Office has confirmed a suspect is in custody after a shooting at Starville Methodist Church in Winona, Texas Sunday morning.
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) January 3, 2021
A Sheriff’s Deputy has said one dead at this time. https://t.co/EPXLHt53Yc
Update 2:03 p.m. ET Jan. 3: The suspect was part of a vehicle chase Saturday night and hid from authorities overnight in the church.
Sunday morning, when the pastor arrived, he found the suspect in a bathroom stall, KYTX reported.
#UPDATE: The @SmithCSO says the pastor of Starrville Methodist Church in #Winona in Smith County is dead following a Sunday morning shooting at the church. #Texas #EastTexas #TexasNews #TXNews pic.twitter.com/c6jl2Q2ct5
— Reagan Roy-Young (@reaganroy) January 3, 2021
The pastor, who was armed, pulled out his firearm and asked the suspect to leave. The suspect was able to disarm the pastor, then fatally shot him with the gun.
Two other people were also injured; one from a fall and another from gunshot wounds. Their conditions are unknown.
The suspect will be charged with capital murder.
Original report: The suspect who opened fire inside the Starrville Methodist Church is in custody, KYTX reported.
There are multiple people injured, but the exact number and the extent of their wounds is unknown. One person was killed.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shared his condolences, KLTV reported.
“Our hearts are with the victims and the families of those killed or injured in this terrible tragedy,” Abbott said in a statement. “The State of Texas is working closely with first responders and local officials to ensure that justice is served and that the Starrville community has the resources it needs during this time.”
#BREAKING: Governor Greg Abbott confirms one person was killed and several others injured in a shooting at the Starrville Methodist Church in Smith County this morning. Follow @KLTV7 & @KTREnews for updates. pic.twitter.com/FCcIkEG2eq
— Jeremy Thomas (@JeremyOBThomas) January 3, 2021
Check back for more on this developing story.
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