Assassin Of The Texas Church Massacre

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Authorities identified Devin Kelly as the man responsible for the Sunday massacre at a South Texas church that killed 26 people and wounded 20 others.

The 26-year-old man had been part of the armed forces. A spokesperson for the Air Force confirmed to People that he served at the Holloman base in New Mexico on logistics duties from 2010 until he was dishonorably discharged in 2014.

Kelly had to leave the military after being found guilty in a military court of accusations of having assaulted his wife and children, the magazine said.

In addition to ordering his expulsion, the court also ordered his 12-month confinement and loss of rank.

For now, authorities have not found the reason that led the young veteran to enter the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Spring armed with a semi-automatic rifle, with which he opened fire indiscriminately. Some investigators said Monday that he was angry with his mother-in-law, who is a member of the church.

Wilson County Police Chief Joe Tackitt explained to CNN that the suspect lived in a town near where he committed the crime.

According to the police account, Kelley began shooting at around 11:30 am Sunday when a service was being held at the church. When leaving the property, she found a neighbor who opened fire on her.

Kelley left the gun and fled, chased by some residents of the area. He was later found dead in his vehicle from a shot that authorities said Monday he did himself.