Ohio pastor shot and killed at pulpit while choir sang

The suspect was sitting in a pew at St. Peters Missionary Baptist in Dayton, Ohio, when he suddenly started following pastor William Schooler, 70.

The pastor of the church who was shot and killed has been identified as William Schooler, 70, of Dayton, according to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

Authorities have confirmed the shooting reported at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church, but have not yet released an official statement.

Michelle Palmer/WHIO.COM The pastor’s brother allegedly shot him while he walked up to the pulpit.

Schooler was also appointed as a member of the Dayton Board of Education as a well respected member of the community. “He was a beloved leader”.

“He had deep roots in the community”, local community leader Ronnie Moreland told WHIO. “It’s hard to put into words what has happened”. Police say that the motive for the shooting is now unknown but the pastor’s brother is now the only suspect in custody. The victim said Schooler began pacing and was acting odd and then struck her, knocking her unconscious. We will update this report as and when we get more details.

St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, on Feb, .

In addition, about 10 members of the church are being interviewed at the scene. Pastor Schooler had just walked back to his pulpit when he was shot.

According to WDTN News, the Dayton Police Department received information about the church shooting in the area and responded to the call within minutes.