A 26-year-old man is facing criminal homicide charges after his cousin was found dead in their North Braddock residence in Pennsylvania.
The accused, Bernard Junior Polite, allegedly shot his cousin Derek Polite, 56, leading to his death.
Meanwhile, Bernard also attempted to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany during a church service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church, which was being livestreamed.
Fortunately, the pastor escaped unharmed as the firearm malfunctioned.
Police were alerted to Derek Polite’s death after neighbors reported hearing a noise resembling a gunshot around 10 a.m.
An autopsy confirmed Derek’s death as a homicide.
Bernard’s attempted shooting at the church was thwarted by Deacon Clarence McCallister and Pastor Germany, who tackled him until police arrived.
Following Bernard’s arrest, concerned family members discovered Derek’s body at their shared residence.
Investigations later linked the firearm recovered from Bernard at the church to Derek Polite’s fatal injury, establishing a connection between the two incidents.
Bernard Polite, who had no prior ties to the church or Pastor Germany, is now detained and faces charges including homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering others.
Despite the trauma, the church community has rallied together, finding strength and solidarity in the aftermath of the incident.
Pastor Germany emphasized the quick reactions of those involved, including Deacon McCallister, whose actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
The pastor expressed gratitude for divine protection and praised McCallister’s bravery during the crisis.
McCallister, who was operating the livestream cameras during the incident, echoed relief that no one was physically harmed, attributing the malfunctioning firearm to potentially saving lives.
