Pastor Ronald J. Harris was ministering during a revival service on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, when Woodrow Karey, 53, of Lake Charles, La., took Harris’ fate into his own hands. Those in attendance at the revival at Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center, including 65 parishioners and the church’s first lady, witnessed the cold, callous murder of their pastor.
Karey shot Harris twice at close range with a shotgun. He left the crime scene and later turned himself in to police. He’s been charged with second-degree murder and his bond has been set at $1 million. No motive has been determined and it isn’t clear if they knew each other. A shotgun and a .22 caliber pistol were found in a wooded area near the crime scene.
The Harris family has declined comment.
