Jun 27, 2008 11:50 pm US/Eastern
Locally Ordained Minister Shot & Killed In W.Va.
(KDKA)
-
-
The investigation continues after Rev. Mark McCalla, who was ordained in Pittsburgh, was shot and killed in West Virginia.
KDKA
Investigators are searching for answers after a Presbyterian minister, who was ordained in Pittsburgh, was shot and killed.
Authorities say a nationwide search is now underway for the two men who are believed to be his killers.
The victim, Reverend Mark McCalla, was the pastor at a Presbyterian church in Huntington, West Virginia.
According to authorities, McCalla was gunned down at a rifle range. Police say warrants have now been issued for two army deserters who are charged in the murder.
In 1994, Pastor McCalla was ordained at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in East Liberty. Then, he moved on to ministries in Corry, Pennsylvania and Franklin, Pennsylvania before going to W. Va.
The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has released a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCalla family and all those who loved Mark and were blessed by his ministry. May the faith that Mark professed throughout his life sustain them and provide them with the only peace possible in such a time."
Meanwhile, police in West Virginia say they raided a home in Cabell County. That's where they say they have gathered enough evidence to issue warrants for first-degree murder for two men.
Police identify the men as 19-year old Stephen Wilson and 22-year-old Daniel Smith. Officials say Smith and Wilson had been stationed at Fort Drum in New York; however, the Army is now listing them as deserters.
Police tell us that the suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities say Rev. MaCalla died from a single gunshot wound to the head at a rifle range that he often visited. Meantime, police continue to look for answers as to why someone would have shot the minister.
Rev. MaCalla is being remembered as a fun loving pastor who enjoyed the outdoors. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
