Pastor Killed in Texas, Beaten Inside Church with Electric Guitar
A North Texas pastor was killed Monday, by a man who drove a car into a church wall, chased the pastor down and beat him with an electric guitar.
According to the Associated Press, law officials in Forest Hill did not mention why the unidentified suspect attacked the founding pastor of Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Danny Kirk Sr.
Police used a Taser to restrain the suspect, who died a short time after being taken into custody.
Chief Police of Forest Hill Dan Dennis claimed the unnamed suspect purposely drove his car into the church's wall before noon Monday. The suspect reportedly got out of the car and started attacking the pastor in the parking lot, before chasing him inside of the church.
The church's secretary went into hiding and called 911, according to Dennis.
Police found the suspect beating down the pastor with an electric guitar that they believe belonged to the church.
Kirk was reported dead at the scene, Dennis confirmed. A maintenance worker who attempted to help the pastor was injured and hospitalized. His condition is unknown.
Dennis told the Associated Press that the suspect was found dead, moments after being arrested.
It is unclear if the suspect knew Kirk, if he attended the church or why he might have attacked the pastor.
Members of the church heard of the news hours after the incident and stood outside the place of worship hugging each other and crying.
"Our hearts are heavy right now," said Reginald Wilson, an associate minister at the church.
Kirk is remembered as a dedicated minister, who had a bubbly personality and knew all of the names of the members of the church.
"He really was concerned about our souls," Montoya McNeil said.
"You looked forward to being here. ...I'm not asking God why, because I know where he (Kirk) is, but we won't get those big bear hugs and those great sermons anymore."