Larry Gene Ashbrook
Mass Shooting at Church
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Fort Worth, Texas
TIME PERIOD
September 15, 1999
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
On September 15, 1999, a mass shooting occurred at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, during a "See You at the Pole" rally featuring a concert by the Christian rock group Forty Days. The perpetrator, 47-year-old Larry Gene Ashbrook, entered the church armed with a 9mm Ruger P85 and a .380 ACP AMT Backup handgun, killing seven individuals, most of whom were teenagers, and injuring seven others before committing suicide. Ashbrook had exhibited erratic behavior prior to the incident, expressing anti-Christian sentiments and claiming to be framed for murder in letters sent to a local newspaper. The case remains a significant event in the history of mass shootings in the U.S., with ongoing discussions regarding gun violence and mental health.
Larry Gene Ashbrook is believed to have been motivated by anti-Christian sentiment, as evidenced by his erratic behavior and the letters he sent to a local newspaper claiming he was being framed for murder. Some speculate that his mental health issues and feelings of persecution contributed to his violent actions. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the choice of the church as a target was deliberate, aimed at inflicting harm on a community he perceived as opposing him.
The Tragedy at Wedgwood Baptist Church: A Night of Terror in Fort Worth
Introduction
In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, a place intended for solace and spiritual reflection became the scene of unspeakable horror on the evening of September 15, 1999. Larry Gene Ashbrook, a 47-year-old man, transformed the peaceful Wedgwood Baptist Church into a site of chaos and tragedy. During a youth rally, while the Christian rock band Forty Days performed, Ashbrook unleashed a violent attack that would leave an indelible mark on the community.
The Shooting Unfolds
It was a typical evening at the Wedgwood Baptist Church, located at coordinates 32°39′51″N 97°23′04″W, where congregants gathered for a "See You at the Pole" rally. Ashbrook, characterized by erratic behavior leading up to the event, entered wearing mirrored sunglasses and a pullover, an unlit cigarette dangling defiantly from his lips. As he approached, his presence was initially met with confusion rather than fear. A congregant, later identified as one of Ashbrook’s victims, recalled being asked, "Is this where that damn religious meeting is being held?" before being shot twice.
Ashbrook's disdain for Christianity became evident as he interrupted the teen prayer rally. He slammed a door to announce his presence and began to spew anti-Christian rhetoric. In his hands were a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a .380-caliber handgun, which he used to open fire on the unsuspecting attendees.
At first, the congregants thought his actions were part of a dramatic skit. This misunderstanding enraged Ashbrook further. Two attendees tried to film the chaos, only to become his next targets, resulting in the death of Justin Ray and the destruction of the cameras. Meanwhile, the lead guitarist of Forty Days, mistaking the shooting for an extended prank, resumed his place on stage, only for Ashbrook to fire in his direction, narrowly missing him.
Ashbrook's rampage continued as he reloaded multiple times, leaving three empty magazines in his wake. Amidst the gunfire, he hurled a pipe bomb into the sanctuary. The bomb detonated, sending shrapnel into the air, but miraculously, it caused no fatalities.
The aftermath was devastating: seven lives were lost, including four teenagers. Among them were Kristi Beckel, 14; Shawn C. Brown, 23; Sydney R. Browning, 36; Joseph D. Ennis, 14; Cassandra Griffin, 14; Susan Kimberley Jones, 23; and Justin Stegner Ray, 17. Seven others were injured, with Justin Laird, who had just turned 16, suffering paralysis from the chest down due to a spinal injury inflicted by Ashbrook.
A Brave Confrontation
As the horror unfolded, 19-year-old Jeremiah "Jeremy" Neitz found himself face-to-face with the gunman. In a moment of extraordinary bravery, Neitz engaged Ashbrook in conversation, attempting to appeal to his humanity. He pleaded, "Sir, you don't have to be doing this," to which Ashbrook responded with disdain, questioning Neitz's faith.
Neitz, undeterred, declared his Christianity, prompting Ashbrook to retort, "That sucks," and to denounce the religion as "a stupid religion." Neitz countered, "No sir, it doesn't suck. It's a wonderful thing. God put me on this earth for a reason. I'm certain of that."
Despite Ashbrook's continued hostility and disbelief, Neitz maintained his composure, encouraging Ashbrook to find solace in faith. The confrontation ended when Ashbrook, seemingly frustrated and defeated by Neitz's unwavering faith, sat in a pew and turned his gun on himself, ending the massacre that lasted less than ten minutes.
The Perpetrator's Disturbing Past
Larry Gene Ashbrook, born on July 10, 1952, was a man plagued by personal demons. His mother’s death nine years prior marked the beginning of a downward spiral into erratic and violent behavior. Living with his father, Jack D. Ashbrook, until his passing two months before the shooting, Larry's behavior became increasingly alarming. Neighbors witnessed his violent tendencies but were too afraid to intervene.
Inside his home, investigators uncovered signs of destruction: walls with gaping holes, toilets filled with concrete, and poisoned fruit trees. Ashbrook’s paranoia was evident in the "rambling" letters he sent to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, claiming encounters with the CIA and insisting he was being framed for various crimes.
Ashbrook's brother described him as a paranoid schizophrenic, further complicating the picture of a man who felt persecuted by invisible forces. Despite this, those who met him before the tragedy, like newspaper editor Stephen Kaye, found him surprisingly amiable. Yet, at home, he was crafting pipe bombs and harboring deep anti-Christian sentiments—sentiments that would culminate in the tragic events at the church.
Speculation about Ashbrook's motives abounded. Some suggested his attack on a Southern Baptist church was connected to the Texas Baptist Association's call for the conversion of Jews, or possibly linked to anti-Semitic hate groups, though no concrete ties were found.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath, the world grappled with the senseless violence that had shattered a place of worship. The church was temporarily closed as authorities searched for additional explosives. President Clinton expressed the nation's grief, lamenting the violation of a sacred space, while then-Governor George W. Bush decried the "wave of evil" that necessitated more love in society.
Determined to overcome darkness with light, the church held a service just four days after the shooting. Lead pastor Al Meredith vowed not to surrender to despair, declaring that the tragedy had, in fact, strengthened the church community. He preached forgiveness for Ashbrook, labeling him a "poor man" influenced by malevolent forces. This message of forgiveness extended to Ashbrook's family, with whom the church later met.
As years passed, Meredith offered condolences to victims of subsequent church shootings and, on the 20th anniversary of the Wedgwood attack, reflected on the persistence of gun violence in America. A memorial service marked the anniversary, honoring the seven victims, now recognized as Christian martyrs, and a memorial outside the church stands as a testament to their memory.
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Mass Shooting Occurs
Larry Gene Ashbrook enters Wedgwood Baptist Church and opens fire during a youth rally, killing seven and injuring seven others before committing suicide.
Perpetrator Commits Suicide
After the shooting, Larry Gene Ashbrook takes his own life inside the church, ending the attack.
Investigation Begins
Law enforcement begins investigating the shooting, identifying Ashbrook as the shooter and examining his background.
Community Mourning
The community begins to mourn the victims, with church leaders and local officials expressing condolences and calling for unity.
Memorial Service Held
A memorial service is held for the victims at Wedgwood Baptist Church, attended by community members and leaders.
Church Reopens
Wedgwood Baptist Church reopens for services, emphasizing resilience and forgiveness in the face of tragedy.
Victims Recognized as Martyrs
The seven victims of the shooting are recognized as Christian martyrs, with a memorial constructed outside the church.
20th Anniversary Memorial
A memorial service is held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the shooting, reflecting on its impact and the ongoing healing process.
On September 15, 1999, a mass shooting occurred at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, during a "See You at the Pole" rally featuring a concert by the Christian rock group Forty Days. The perpetrator, 47-year-old Larry Gene Ashbrook, entered the church armed with a 9mm Ruger P85 and a .380 ACP AMT Backup handgun, killing seven individuals, most of whom were teenagers, and injuring seven others before committing suicide. Ashbrook had exhibited erratic behavior prior to the incident, expressing anti-Christian sentiments and claiming to be framed for murder in letters sent to a local newspaper. The case remains a significant event in the history of mass shootings in the U.S., with ongoing discussions regarding gun violence and mental health.
Larry Gene Ashbrook is believed to have been motivated by anti-Christian sentiment, as evidenced by his erratic behavior and the letters he sent to a local newspaper claiming he was being framed for murder. Some speculate that his mental health issues and feelings of persecution contributed to his violent actions. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the choice of the church as a target was deliberate, aimed at inflicting harm on a community he perceived as opposing him.
The Tragedy at Wedgwood Baptist Church: A Night of Terror in Fort Worth
Introduction
In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, a place intended for solace and spiritual reflection became the scene of unspeakable horror on the evening of September 15, 1999. Larry Gene Ashbrook, a 47-year-old man, transformed the peaceful Wedgwood Baptist Church into a site of chaos and tragedy. During a youth rally, while the Christian rock band Forty Days performed, Ashbrook unleashed a violent attack that would leave an indelible mark on the community.
The Shooting Unfolds
It was a typical evening at the Wedgwood Baptist Church, located at coordinates 32°39′51″N 97°23′04″W, where congregants gathered for a "See You at the Pole" rally. Ashbrook, characterized by erratic behavior leading up to the event, entered wearing mirrored sunglasses and a pullover, an unlit cigarette dangling defiantly from his lips. As he approached, his presence was initially met with confusion rather than fear. A congregant, later identified as one of Ashbrook’s victims, recalled being asked, "Is this where that damn religious meeting is being held?" before being shot twice.
Ashbrook's disdain for Christianity became evident as he interrupted the teen prayer rally. He slammed a door to announce his presence and began to spew anti-Christian rhetoric. In his hands were a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a .380-caliber handgun, which he used to open fire on the unsuspecting attendees.
At first, the congregants thought his actions were part of a dramatic skit. This misunderstanding enraged Ashbrook further. Two attendees tried to film the chaos, only to become his next targets, resulting in the death of Justin Ray and the destruction of the cameras. Meanwhile, the lead guitarist of Forty Days, mistaking the shooting for an extended prank, resumed his place on stage, only for Ashbrook to fire in his direction, narrowly missing him.
Ashbrook's rampage continued as he reloaded multiple times, leaving three empty magazines in his wake. Amidst the gunfire, he hurled a pipe bomb into the sanctuary. The bomb detonated, sending shrapnel into the air, but miraculously, it caused no fatalities.
The aftermath was devastating: seven lives were lost, including four teenagers. Among them were Kristi Beckel, 14; Shawn C. Brown, 23; Sydney R. Browning, 36; Joseph D. Ennis, 14; Cassandra Griffin, 14; Susan Kimberley Jones, 23; and Justin Stegner Ray, 17. Seven others were injured, with Justin Laird, who had just turned 16, suffering paralysis from the chest down due to a spinal injury inflicted by Ashbrook.
A Brave Confrontation
As the horror unfolded, 19-year-old Jeremiah "Jeremy" Neitz found himself face-to-face with the gunman. In a moment of extraordinary bravery, Neitz engaged Ashbrook in conversation, attempting to appeal to his humanity. He pleaded, "Sir, you don't have to be doing this," to which Ashbrook responded with disdain, questioning Neitz's faith.
Neitz, undeterred, declared his Christianity, prompting Ashbrook to retort, "That sucks," and to denounce the religion as "a stupid religion." Neitz countered, "No sir, it doesn't suck. It's a wonderful thing. God put me on this earth for a reason. I'm certain of that."
Despite Ashbrook's continued hostility and disbelief, Neitz maintained his composure, encouraging Ashbrook to find solace in faith. The confrontation ended when Ashbrook, seemingly frustrated and defeated by Neitz's unwavering faith, sat in a pew and turned his gun on himself, ending the massacre that lasted less than ten minutes.
The Perpetrator's Disturbing Past
Larry Gene Ashbrook, born on July 10, 1952, was a man plagued by personal demons. His mother’s death nine years prior marked the beginning of a downward spiral into erratic and violent behavior. Living with his father, Jack D. Ashbrook, until his passing two months before the shooting, Larry's behavior became increasingly alarming. Neighbors witnessed his violent tendencies but were too afraid to intervene.
Inside his home, investigators uncovered signs of destruction: walls with gaping holes, toilets filled with concrete, and poisoned fruit trees. Ashbrook’s paranoia was evident in the "rambling" letters he sent to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, claiming encounters with the CIA and insisting he was being framed for various crimes.
Ashbrook's brother described him as a paranoid schizophrenic, further complicating the picture of a man who felt persecuted by invisible forces. Despite this, those who met him before the tragedy, like newspaper editor Stephen Kaye, found him surprisingly amiable. Yet, at home, he was crafting pipe bombs and harboring deep anti-Christian sentiments—sentiments that would culminate in the tragic events at the church.
Speculation about Ashbrook's motives abounded. Some suggested his attack on a Southern Baptist church was connected to the Texas Baptist Association's call for the conversion of Jews, or possibly linked to anti-Semitic hate groups, though no concrete ties were found.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath, the world grappled with the senseless violence that had shattered a place of worship. The church was temporarily closed as authorities searched for additional explosives. President Clinton expressed the nation's grief, lamenting the violation of a sacred space, while then-Governor George W. Bush decried the "wave of evil" that necessitated more love in society.
Determined to overcome darkness with light, the church held a service just four days after the shooting. Lead pastor Al Meredith vowed not to surrender to despair, declaring that the tragedy had, in fact, strengthened the church community. He preached forgiveness for Ashbrook, labeling him a "poor man" influenced by malevolent forces. This message of forgiveness extended to Ashbrook's family, with whom the church later met.
As years passed, Meredith offered condolences to victims of subsequent church shootings and, on the 20th anniversary of the Wedgwood attack, reflected on the persistence of gun violence in America. A memorial service marked the anniversary, honoring the seven victims, now recognized as Christian martyrs, and a memorial outside the church stands as a testament to their memory.
Sources
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...
Mass Shooting Occurs
Larry Gene Ashbrook enters Wedgwood Baptist Church and opens fire during a youth rally, killing seven and injuring seven others before committing suicide.
Perpetrator Commits Suicide
After the shooting, Larry Gene Ashbrook takes his own life inside the church, ending the attack.
Investigation Begins
Law enforcement begins investigating the shooting, identifying Ashbrook as the shooter and examining his background.
Community Mourning
The community begins to mourn the victims, with church leaders and local officials expressing condolences and calling for unity.
Memorial Service Held
A memorial service is held for the victims at Wedgwood Baptist Church, attended by community members and leaders.
Church Reopens
Wedgwood Baptist Church reopens for services, emphasizing resilience and forgiveness in the face of tragedy.
Victims Recognized as Martyrs
The seven victims of the shooting are recognized as Christian martyrs, with a memorial constructed outside the church.
20th Anniversary Memorial
A memorial service is held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the shooting, reflecting on its impact and the ongoing healing process.