Devin Patrick Kelley
Mass Shooting at Church
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Sutherland Springs, Texas
TIME PERIOD
November 5, 2017
VICTIMS
27 confirmed
On November 5, 2017, Devin Patrick Kelley carried out a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to 22 others. The incident occurred between approximately 11:20 a.m. and 11:31 a.m., making it the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history and the most lethal attack at a place of worship in the United States. Kelley, armed with a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle, was confronted by armed defender Stephen Willeford, who, along with Johnnie Langendorff, pursued Kelley until he crashed his vehicle and subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In 2021, a federal judge ruled that the federal government was negligent in allowing Kelley to purchase firearms despite his disqualifying criminal history, leading to a significant financial settlement for the victims' families and subsequent legislative changes to improve background check reporting procedures.
Devin Kelley was believed to have been motivated by personal grievances and mental health issues, with theories suggesting he may have been targeting specific individuals within the church. Some speculate that his military background and prior incidents of domestic violence contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there are discussions about the effectiveness of gun control measures and mental health evaluations in preventing such tragedies.
The Sutherland Springs Church Shooting: A Tragic Tale of Negligence and Violence
A Day of Unprecedented Tragedy
On a quiet Sunday morning, November 5, 2017, the small town of Sutherland Springs, Texas, was shattered by an unspeakable act of violence. Devin Patrick Kelley, a 26-year-old with a troubled past, arrived at the First Baptist Church in a white SUV. As the clock struck 11:20 a.m., clad in black tactical gear and a skull mask, he stepped out, wielding a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle. What followed was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history and the most horrific attack on an American place of worship, eclipsing even the 2015 Charleston church shooting.
The Shooting Unfolds
Kelley's rampage began outside the church, where he shot and killed two people before turning his weapon on the building itself. Inside, worshippers were gathered for their regular Sunday service, unaware of the terror approaching. Bursting through a side door, Kelley shouted, "Everybody dies, motherfuckers!" as he methodically walked the center aisle, firing mercilessly into the pews. This horrifying scene was captured on a camera intended to record services for online sharing. During the 11-minute massacre, Kelley discharged approximately 450 rounds, leaving 26 dead, including an unborn child, and wounding 22 others.
A Community Takes Action
As chaos reigned inside, local resident and former firearms instructor Stephen Willeford heard the gunfire from his home. Grabbing his AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, Willeford confronted Kelley, taking cover behind a truck. In a tense exchange, Willeford wounded Kelley twice, forcing him to flee in his Ford Explorer. Willeford then joined a passing motorist, Johnnie Langendorff, in a high-speed pursuit of Kelley, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph. During the chase, Kelley made a chilling call to his parents, admitting to the shooting and expressing remorse, believing his wounds would be fatal.
The pursuit ended abruptly when Kelley lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a field. Willeford and Langendorff watched as Kelley remained motionless, soon found dead by police with three gunshot wounds, including a self-inflicted headshot. Two handguns, a Glock 19 and a Ruger SR22, were discovered in his car.
The Victims
The tragic toll included ten women, seven men, seven girls, one boy, and an unborn child. Among the deceased was the 14-year-old daughter of the church's pastor, Frank Pomeroy, who was not present at the service. Visiting pastor Bryan Holcombe perished along with eight family members, including an unborn grandchild. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Connally Memorial Medical Center and University Hospital in San Antonio. One survivor, Kris Workman, was left paralyzed from the waist down.
The Investigation
The Texas Rangers led the investigation, supported by the FBI and ATF. Early findings suggested the massacre was not racially or religiously motivated but stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Kelley's mother-in-law. No evidence pointed to additional perpetrators.
Devin Patrick Kelley: A Troubled Past
Devin Kelley was born on February 12, 1991, and raised in New Braunfels, Texas. His high school years were marked by multiple suspensions and a reputation as an outcast. After graduating in 2009, Kelley enlisted in the Air Force, serving at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. His military career was fraught with misconduct, including an assault on his wife and stepson in 2012, leading to a court-martial and a year-long confinement.
Following his 2014 discharge for bad conduct, Kelley's life continued to spiral. He faced allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence, though charges were never filed. His second marriage, in 2014, was marred by further incidents, including animal cruelty.
A Systemic Failure
Despite his violent past, Kelley was able to purchase firearms due to a critical lapse in the Air Force's reporting procedures, which failed to notify the FBI of his court-martial conviction. This oversight allowed him to pass background checks and arm himself legally.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a federal judge ruled in 2021 that the U.S. government bore some responsibility due to this negligence, awarding nearly a quarter-billion dollars to the victims and their families. Congress responded by tightening background check protocols to prevent similar oversights in the future.
Conclusion
The Sutherland Springs church shooting remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, systemic failures, and unchecked access to firearms. The heroic actions of ordinary citizens like Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff, however, exemplify the courage and resilience of a community confronting unimaginable horror.
Sources
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Church Shooting
Devin Kelley opens fire at First Baptist Church, killing 26 and injuring 22.
Shooter Confronted
Stephen Willeford, a local resident, confronts Kelley and injures him, prompting his flight.
Shooter Found Dead
Kelley is found dead in his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing.
Investigation Launched
Texas Rangers, FBI, and ATF begin investigation into the shooting.
Fix NICS Act Passed
Congress passes legislation to improve background check reporting after the shooting.
Federal Ruling
A federal judge rules the Air Force was negligent in reporting Kelley's criminal history.
Damages Awarded
Judge awards over $230 million to victims' families due to negligence in firearm purchase oversight.
Church Demolition Begins
Demolition of the original church building begins, sparking community controversy.
On November 5, 2017, Devin Patrick Kelley carried out a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to 22 others. The incident occurred between approximately 11:20 a.m. and 11:31 a.m., making it the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history and the most lethal attack at a place of worship in the United States. Kelley, armed with a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle, was confronted by armed defender Stephen Willeford, who, along with Johnnie Langendorff, pursued Kelley until he crashed his vehicle and subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In 2021, a federal judge ruled that the federal government was negligent in allowing Kelley to purchase firearms despite his disqualifying criminal history, leading to a significant financial settlement for the victims' families and subsequent legislative changes to improve background check reporting procedures.
Devin Kelley was believed to have been motivated by personal grievances and mental health issues, with theories suggesting he may have been targeting specific individuals within the church. Some speculate that his military background and prior incidents of domestic violence contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there are discussions about the effectiveness of gun control measures and mental health evaluations in preventing such tragedies.
The Sutherland Springs Church Shooting: A Tragic Tale of Negligence and Violence
A Day of Unprecedented Tragedy
On a quiet Sunday morning, November 5, 2017, the small town of Sutherland Springs, Texas, was shattered by an unspeakable act of violence. Devin Patrick Kelley, a 26-year-old with a troubled past, arrived at the First Baptist Church in a white SUV. As the clock struck 11:20 a.m., clad in black tactical gear and a skull mask, he stepped out, wielding a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle. What followed was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history and the most horrific attack on an American place of worship, eclipsing even the 2015 Charleston church shooting.
The Shooting Unfolds
Kelley's rampage began outside the church, where he shot and killed two people before turning his weapon on the building itself. Inside, worshippers were gathered for their regular Sunday service, unaware of the terror approaching. Bursting through a side door, Kelley shouted, "Everybody dies, motherfuckers!" as he methodically walked the center aisle, firing mercilessly into the pews. This horrifying scene was captured on a camera intended to record services for online sharing. During the 11-minute massacre, Kelley discharged approximately 450 rounds, leaving 26 dead, including an unborn child, and wounding 22 others.
A Community Takes Action
As chaos reigned inside, local resident and former firearms instructor Stephen Willeford heard the gunfire from his home. Grabbing his AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, Willeford confronted Kelley, taking cover behind a truck. In a tense exchange, Willeford wounded Kelley twice, forcing him to flee in his Ford Explorer. Willeford then joined a passing motorist, Johnnie Langendorff, in a high-speed pursuit of Kelley, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph. During the chase, Kelley made a chilling call to his parents, admitting to the shooting and expressing remorse, believing his wounds would be fatal.
The pursuit ended abruptly when Kelley lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a field. Willeford and Langendorff watched as Kelley remained motionless, soon found dead by police with three gunshot wounds, including a self-inflicted headshot. Two handguns, a Glock 19 and a Ruger SR22, were discovered in his car.
The Victims
The tragic toll included ten women, seven men, seven girls, one boy, and an unborn child. Among the deceased was the 14-year-old daughter of the church's pastor, Frank Pomeroy, who was not present at the service. Visiting pastor Bryan Holcombe perished along with eight family members, including an unborn grandchild. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Connally Memorial Medical Center and University Hospital in San Antonio. One survivor, Kris Workman, was left paralyzed from the waist down.
The Investigation
The Texas Rangers led the investigation, supported by the FBI and ATF. Early findings suggested the massacre was not racially or religiously motivated but stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Kelley's mother-in-law. No evidence pointed to additional perpetrators.
Devin Patrick Kelley: A Troubled Past
Devin Kelley was born on February 12, 1991, and raised in New Braunfels, Texas. His high school years were marked by multiple suspensions and a reputation as an outcast. After graduating in 2009, Kelley enlisted in the Air Force, serving at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. His military career was fraught with misconduct, including an assault on his wife and stepson in 2012, leading to a court-martial and a year-long confinement.
Following his 2014 discharge for bad conduct, Kelley's life continued to spiral. He faced allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence, though charges were never filed. His second marriage, in 2014, was marred by further incidents, including animal cruelty.
A Systemic Failure
Despite his violent past, Kelley was able to purchase firearms due to a critical lapse in the Air Force's reporting procedures, which failed to notify the FBI of his court-martial conviction. This oversight allowed him to pass background checks and arm himself legally.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a federal judge ruled in 2021 that the U.S. government bore some responsibility due to this negligence, awarding nearly a quarter-billion dollars to the victims and their families. Congress responded by tightening background check protocols to prevent similar oversights in the future.
Conclusion
The Sutherland Springs church shooting remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, systemic failures, and unchecked access to firearms. The heroic actions of ordinary citizens like Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff, however, exemplify the courage and resilience of a community confronting unimaginable horror.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Church Shooting
Devin Kelley opens fire at First Baptist Church, killing 26 and injuring 22.
Shooter Confronted
Stephen Willeford, a local resident, confronts Kelley and injures him, prompting his flight.
Shooter Found Dead
Kelley is found dead in his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing.
Investigation Launched
Texas Rangers, FBI, and ATF begin investigation into the shooting.
Fix NICS Act Passed
Congress passes legislation to improve background check reporting after the shooting.
Federal Ruling
A federal judge rules the Air Force was negligent in reporting Kelley's criminal history.
Damages Awarded
Judge awards over $230 million to victims' families due to negligence in firearm purchase oversight.
Church Demolition Begins
Demolition of the original church building begins, sparking community controversy.