A Texas pastor was fatally shot, and two others were injured on Sunday.
According to NBC News, the shooting took place Sunday morning at Starrville Methodist Church in Starrville, Texas.
The night before, the gunman was involved in another incident and was allegedly fleeing the police. He was hiding inside a bathroom at the church when the pastor, Mark McWilliams, found him around 9:20 a.m. Sunday morning. The suspect left the location but later returned during an early morning search, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith stated.
“He starts coming toward the front door, then he turns around and lunges at the pastor and was able to disarm the pastor, it appears at this time,” Smith said. “He used … the pastor’s firearm is the one he used. The pastor is deceased at this time.”
Smith County Sheriff’s Office stated that there were two more victims, Rosemary McWilliams, the pastor’s wife, who is being treated for injuries from a fall and another church member who had a gunshot wound.
The suspect had a gunshot wound to his hand, but authorities have yet to determine how it happened.
“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,” Governor Greg Abbott said.
Update: The suspect has been identified as Mytrez Deunte Woolen, 21, of Marshall.
