Gunman storms Lakeland church, shoots 2 pastors; wife found shot dead at home

LAKELAND -- 

A gunman stormed into a Lakeland church service Sunday morning, shooting a pastor in the head and an associate pastor three times.

Officials said the suspect, Jeremiah Fogle, shot and killed his wife, 56-year-old Theresa Fogle, in their home before bursting into the nearby church, opening fire and seriously wounding the pastors in Greater Faith Christian Church, located at 2035 West Parker Street in Lakeland.

The pastors remain in serious condition in Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Parishioners attack suspect, strike him with microphone stand

According to witnesses, two parishioners sprang forward and attacked Fogle after he shot Stewart. Officials have identified the parishioners as Corey Reed and Derrick Foster.

Foster struggled with Fogle as Reed grabbed a microphone stand and hit Fogle over the head. The gun was taken from Fogle and the men held him down until deputies arrived.

According to Polk County Sheriff's Office officials, Fogle was taken into custody with a laceration to his head and one round left in the chamber of his .32 caliber revolver. Fogle had another six rounds in his pocket.

"We are trying to figure out what exactly forced him to go into this killing rage," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a press conference Sunday afternoon.

Derrick Foster tells The Associated Press he was kneeling in prayer Sunday when Fogle entered the church. Foster said he heard one shot and then screaming.

When he looked up, Fogle turned around and pointed the gun at the rest of the church.

That's when Foster and Reed sprung into action. Foster said they wrestled for three or four minutes before being able to get the gun from Fogle.

Gunman shoots pastors as they pray

Authorities received a 911 call regarding a gunman in the church at 9:58 a.m. Sunday. According to witness reports, Fogle, 57, ran through the front door of the church and shot Pastor William Boss in the head and Assoc. Pastor Carl Stewart three times.

As many as 20 parishioners were in the church taking part in a prayer service prior to the regular morning service.

According to officials, Fogle was wearing dress pants and a dress shirt as he walked through the front door of the church, walked down the center aisle and walked over to the right side of the church where Boss was kneeling in prayer.

Fogle bent down -- as if to identify Boss -- stood and shot Boss in the back of the skull. Fogle then turned to Stewart on the left side of the church and shot him three times.

The bullets hit Stewart in the head behind the left ear, in the left shoulder and the middle of Stewart's back.

Church members react to shooting rampage

"On Sunday morning, you're supposed to be going to worship, and you can't go and worship because the devil is in the church now," Phil Chatmon said.

"I can't even fathom it. I don't know what's going on with the world," Pam Wilson said.

Stewart remains in critical condition. Boss' gunshot wound is not considered life-threatening, but he remains in the ICU.

Family of woman shot and killed speak

She just always tried to be everybody's friend," Theresa Fogle's sister, Maria Beauford, said.

"She would do anything for anybody. She did not deserve this," Fogle's sister Laura Gardin said. "I know everything happens for a reason. God is too wise to make a mistake."

Suspect a former deacon at church

Fogle and his wife were once members of the church and were married at the church in 2002. Neither were a current member of the church and had not attended services at the church in several years.

According to witnesses, Fogle was once a deacon at the church, but left the church after a disagreement.

Fogle has been charged with first degree murder and three counts of attempted murder.