Selma man arrested after shooting 3 people during church service

SELMA, AL (WSFA) –

A Selma man has been taken into custody and charged after officials say he shot his girlfriend, infant and a pastor, during a church service on Sunday.

Investigators say that witnesses recall around 10:25 a.m. James Junior Minter, 26, went inside the Oasis Tabernacle Church located on the 3700 block of Water Avenue and sat between the victim and the child. Shortly after Minter pulled out a gun and began shooting.

When officers arrived they found the 24-year-old woman who had been shot in the shoulder and jaw, the infant with a gunshot to the hand and the 61-year-old pastor with a gunshot to the leg. The woman and child were taken to hospitals in Birmingham and are currently listed in stable condition. The pastor was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Witnesses say while Minter was shooting at his girlfriend, the pastor attempted to grab Minter and was shot. Others then assisted in subduing Minter and were able to take the firearm from him. Minter then fled the scene but was taken into custody by police, less than a mile away.

According to Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, Minter has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. He has been taken to the Dallas County Jail with no bond. Minter may also face additional charges related to the shooting. If convicted he could face 10 years to life in prison and fines up to $60,000.

Investigators say that the possible motive of the shooting stemmed from a domestic violence issue that had been ongoing between the couple.

Reporter Hannah Lane is at the scene and will have a live report from the church on WSFA 12 News at 5 p.m.

via:  http://www.kmov.com/story/30073424/selma-man-arrested-after-shooting-3-people-during-church-service