Louisiana pastor shot and killed during church service

A Louisiana pastor was shot and killed Friday night during a church revival service, which was attended by more than 60 people.

The shooting occurred at about 8:20 p.m. Friday night when 53-year-old Woodrow Karey entered the Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center in Lake Charles, La. and opened fire on Pastor Ronald J. Harris Sr. as he was giving his sermon to his parishioners.

Kim Myers, spokeswoman for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, told NBC News that Karey shot Harris twice. The first shot was made during the sermon and the second was made after Karey approached Harris while he was on the ground.

“Witnesses said that Karey fired one shot then he went up to him, stood over him and fired again,” Myers said.

There were 65 people inside the church at the time of the shooting, including Harris’ wife, reports the NY Daily News. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene.

Karey reportedly fled from the church following the shooting but later called the authorities to surrender. Police arrived soon after and arrested him without incident.

After he was in custody, Karey informed police that he had hid two guns in the wooded area near where they had taken him into custody. They later found a shotgun and a .22 caliber pistol at the location.

Karey has been charged with second-degree murder for the shooting. The incident is still under investigation, including the motive and how Karey knew Harris.

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