A lone gunman wipes out 7 percent of a community.
At Least 26 Dead, Including The Gunman.
Authorities from four surrounding counties (of Sutherland Springs) and the FBI are still trying to determine what caused 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley to open fire on a group of worshipers of First Baptists Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas this morning at about 11:30 a.m.
Regional director, Freeman Martin, of the Texas DPS said the ages of the victims ranged from 5 to 72 years old.
Kelley, dressed in black tactical gear and a bulletproof vest, the shooter began the attack on his victims by firing his .223 AR from the outside of the church; he then entered the building where he continued shooting.
After exiting the church, the shooter (Kelley) was engaged by another armed Texan. Kelley dropped his rifle and attempted to escape. He was pursued by the citizen and was later found dead, in his vehicle –by law enforcement officer.
Contrary to what some believe, this is not a Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby scenario.
Witnesses claim bodies were piled on top of each other in the church. Authorities had to un-stacked the masses to check for survivors.
Among the dead were Anabel, the adoptive 14-year-old daughter of the pastor of the church Frank Pomeroy, and his wife Sherri, who were away on business when the attack took place.
A parishioner who gave her name as April said she’s been going to the church “since I was knee-high to a duck.” But for some reason, she and her daughter just did not feel like going this morning.
As late as 10:00 p.m. investigators were still trying to piece together the puzzle to find out the motive for Kelley’s rampage.
It has been learned that Kelley was previously a member of the US Air Force and served at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
He was dishonorably discharged after serving one year in the brig for spousal and child abuse.
Staff Writer: Clinton Franklin
