The congregation of St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio is in shock today after seeing their pastor gunned down during service. As the choir was singing, Rev. William B. Schooler, 70, was shot multiple times in his study. Tragically, the shooter has been identified as his brother Daniel Gregory Schooler, 68. There was no warning of violence as the church erupted in chaos after the shots rang out in the small 20 member church. The worshippers ran for their lives not knowing if they would be the next target of the shooter. Pastor Schooler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Dayton Police Department. Shortly after the shooting, officers tried to put the public at ease. Dayton Police Sgt. Creigee Coleman stated that “It was a domestic violence situation between family members and the public is safe. There was not a person going around shooting at churches.”
A 911 call was made around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday as the church was concluding service. Police responded to the scene and were able to arrest Daniel Schooler without further violence. Schooler has had prior trouble with the law, including arrests in 2001 and 2002 for felonious assault with a deadly weapon. He was also accused of kidnapping a child in 2002.
Pastor Schooler was a retired educator, principal and member of the Dayton Public School Board of Education. He was well known in the community. He was also president of the Dayton Baptist Pastors and Ministers Union of Greater Dayton, Inc. and was known for his civic activities. The family of Schooler and the Black community of Dayton are in shock over his death. A niece described Pastor Schooler as a great father, provider and protector. She added that the family was dismayed over the incident but that they love both of the brothers. Daniel Gregory Schooler is being held without bail and faces murder charges. He is expected to be arraigned in court today.
