Florida Pastor Shot by Cousin After Argument over Heaven and Hell
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A Tallahassee, Florida man has been arrested and is facing criminal charges after shooting a pastor—who also happens to be his second cousin—when the pastor tried to witness to him late last week.
Media outlets reported that Ke’shawn Nesmith, 26, shot his cousin, Pastor Jimmy McGauley, in the neck during an apparent dispute over heaven and hell following the funeral of a family member. A report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office revealed that Nesmith was charged with second-degree attempted murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and carrying a concealed firearm.
McGauley reportedly underwent surgery for his injuries, but no further information on his condition has been shared.
Media outlets reported that Nesmith is a U.S. Army veteran and an atheist. The shooting happened at a private residence in Jacksonville.
“Investigation revealed that the victim, Jimmy McGauley, and the suspect, Ke’shawn Nesmith, became involved in an argument, after a funeral for a family member, regarding heaven and hell,” the Sheriff’s office report says. “The suspect did not believe in God and the victim was a pastor trying to witness to him.
The theological argument became so heated that Nesmith exited the residence in “a rage” as other family members tried to calm him down.
Witnesses at the scene stated that the victim did not threaten the suspect in any way, and he was not armed with any weapons when he was shot,” the report stated. “Family members detained the suspect at the scene until police arrived.”
While it was reported that Nesmith does not believe in God, a recent Instagram post from Nesmith featured a sign that read, “Pray *Yes, You), further clouding an adding to the intrigue of the incident. {eoa}
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Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
