A suspect is now in custody in the shooting at a Texas church that left one dead and two injured.
Twenty-one-year-old Mytrez Deunte Woolen of Marshall was hiding in the Starrville Methodist Church in Winona, NBC DFW reported, when he opened fire on Sunday. The victim fatally shot was identified as Mark Allen McWilliams, a 62-year-old pastor from Frankston.
The day before the shooting, the Lindale Police Department received multiple calls regarding a dark-colored Volkswagen Jetta that reportedly had a firearm visible through the vehicle’s sunroof. Police attempted to detain the suspect’s car, which was parked at a convenience store. A high-speed chase ensued, and the suspect’s tire gave out during the pursuit, leading him to flee on foot and successfully evade capture by police. The next morning, Smith County dispatchers responded to reports of the church shooting.
A motive has not been identified, but Sgt. Larry Christian of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office indicated that he does not believe that the shooting was motivated by religious prejudice. “I don’t think it’s going to be any kind of hate motivation or anything,” he said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vowed to hold the perpetrator accountable.
“Texas will seek swift justice for the shooter,” he tweeted. “We thank law enforcement for their response. Keep the harmed in your prayers.”
