VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. ( Associated Press) — An Alabama church where a gunman shot and killed three people at a dinner party less than a week ago is set to resume services on Sunday.
Stephen’s Episcopal Church announced that its members would gather for morning prayer “after immeasurable loss and sorrow in the hope of the resurrection of Christ”.
Walter “Bart” Rainey, 84, Sarah Yeager, 75, and a third person were killed during Thursday night’s attack. Police did not reveal the name of the third victim, an 84-year-old woman, as her family sought confidentiality.
Robert Findlay Smith, 70, has been charged with the death of three worshipers. Police have not disclosed the reason for the attack.
One of the survivors, Susan Salin, told ABC 33/40 that the group was enjoying a “joyful” dinner when shooting began. He threw himself on the ground and realized that two of his friends had been shot.
“I went to my friends and one was unconscious and the other was not. But I could pat him on the shoulder and say, ‘I love you. They are loved. They are not alone,” he said.
Records from the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives show that Smith is a gun dealer whose business shares the same address as his residence. According to a report by The Trace & USA, in 2018, he received a warning letter from federal officials for not keeping a record of all firearms disposals. According to the document, 86 weapons were available and in inventory during the inspection period.
The Rev. Doug Carpenter, a former church pastor, said the gunman went to the meeting, refused a plate of food offered, and then began shooting. Carpenter was not at dinner, but he talked to the people who were.
