Update On Texas Baptist Church Shooting: 14-Year Old Daughter Of Pastor Killed, Killer Identified

Following the attack on members of First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas by a gunman yesterday, a regional director with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Freeman Martin has confirmed that the 14-year-old daughter of the Church’s pastor, Frank Pomeroy was among those killed.

CNN reports that the shooter has been identified as 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley, according to two law enforcement sources who have been briefed on the investigation. About 20 others have also been reported to have sustained serious injuries.

The Air Force spokeswoman, Ann Stefanek disclosed that Kelly, who was found dead in his vehicle, was a member of the US Air Force and served at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge.

She added that Kelly was court-martialed in 2012 for assault on his spouse and assault on their child. He had served a year in prison and received a bad conduct discharge in 2014.

In a press conference Sunday evening, Wilson County Sheriff, Joe Tackitt stated that authorities are yet to uncover what may have motivated the suspected shooter to carry out the act.

During the press conference, the regional Director, Martin, who did not mention Kelly’s name, described the shooter as a young white male who was dressed in all-black “tactical-type gear” and wearing a ballistic vest.

He added that the suspect was seen in a Valero gas station across the street from the church in Sutherland Springs at about 11:20 a.m. local time on Sunday morning.

“The suspect left the gas station, crossed the street, exited his vehicle and began firing before he entered the church. As the suspected shooter left the church, a local resident used their own rifle to engage him. The shooter then fled the church, while the citizen pursued him.

“After a brief chase, law enforcement later found the suspect dead of a gunshot wound inside his vehicle. A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said multiple weapons were found in Kelley’s car. Authorities said they don’t know if the wound was self-inflicted or the result of the resident who fired on the suspect”, Martin said.

The Wilson County Commissioner, Albert Gamez Jr expressed sadness over the issue, saying: “My heart is broken. We never think where it can happen, and it does happen. It doesn’t matter where you’re at. In a small community, real quiet and everything, and look at this”.

Reacting to this incident, the US president, Donald Trump who is in Japan on his first trip to Asia as president, sympathized with the affected citizens and assured them of support.

“May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan”, he tweeted.

Also reacting to the incident, the governor of Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott, in a statement, sympathized with the victims and disclosed his plans to visit the affected families.

His words: “While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act. I want to thank law enforcement for their response and ask that all Texans pray for the Sutherland Springs community during this time of mourning and loss”.