Woman killed, two pastors wounded in Florida shootings

LAKELAND, Fla. – Derrick Foster was kneeling in prayer when the gunman burst through the front door of Greater Faith Christian Center Church. He heard shooting, then screams.

A former church member is accused of critically wounding the church’s pastor and associate pastor as close to 20 people prayed between Sunday services. Authorities and relatives said Jeremiah Fogle shot his wife to death at his house, where he had started his own church, before continuing the rampage a block away at Greater Faith.

Foster, a teacher in the ministry, got up and saw the man near the pulpit, turning around with the gun in his hand.

“The first thing in my mind was, ‘I have to take this gun away,’ ” he said.

Foster said he and another man tackled the gunman.

Pastor William Boss and associate pastor Carl Stewart were shot from behind, authorities said. Boss, who was shot in the head, and Stewart, shot three times in the back and ear, were in critical condition Sunday. No one else at the church was hurt.

As deputies began investigating, a church member advised that they check on Fogle’s wife, who lived with him a block away in a neighborhood of mobile homes, humble houses and industrial shops. Investigators and relatives say 56-year-old Theresa Fogle was found slain inside, apparently killed before her husband went to the church.

“We don’t know exactly why he went in to this mad rage,” Judd said.