Pastor shot, killed during church service
LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) –
A pastor was shot and killed during a church service on Friday night in Calcasieu.
According to Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kim Myers, it happened around 8:20 p.m. at the Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center at 307 Deshotel Lane in Lake Charles.
Myers said Pastor Ronald J. Harris Sr. was shot “as he was preaching.”
Woodrow Karey, 53, of Lake Charles, is accused of walking into the church and shooting Harris.
Myers said Harris, of Lake Charles, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Karey fled on foot, Myers said, but called the Sheriff’s Office and surrendered without incident.
A Calcasieu Correctional Center booking report indicates his location of arrest was Opelousas Street/Deshotel Lane.
Karey was booked on a second-degree murder charge.
Authorities say the motive for the shooting is unknown and that the investigation continues.
According to Calcasieu Parish Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory, there were 65 witnesses inside the church at the time of the shooting, including the victim’s wife.
“At this point, we’re just trying to piece together as much information as we can,” said Guillory. “And find out what the cause of this was.”