Church Crime Watch February 4, 2024
CWT Update: I reached out to LTC Dave Grossman this week. He is a renowned author and a great Christian. I will be interviewing him about a variety of things church security related in a few weeks. The interview will be published on my YouTube channel here and I will notify you of the interview here at the newsletter. Please subscribe to the YouTube channel and pass this newsletter on to your friends and encourage them to subscribe.
Teen Sentenced for Plotting School and Church Shootings in Colorado Springs
In Elbert County, Colorado, a teenager identified as William "Lilly" Whitworth has been sentenced to six years in prison for plotting to carry out shootings at multiple schools and churches in the Colorado Springs area. Arrested in March 2023 following a tip from a sibling about threats to "shoot up a school," Whitworth, who once attended a District 20 school, was taken into custody at her home in Elbert County. During the investigation, Whitworth confessed to the plans, with authorities discovering a notebook detailing potential targets. Originally facing charges including attempted murder, Whitworth pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree assault as part of a plea deal. Despite arguments from her attorneys for a live-in treatment program due to severe mental health issues, the court proceeded with the prison sentence, acknowledging the significant impact on community safety and school security measures. (Many churches still do not have a security team or a plan or training to deal with an active shooter. I have outlined enough threats for churches that this is not acceptable. You need a plan, you need to train, and you need a security team).
For further details, visit the full article here: KKTV
Theft at St. Johns County Religious Organizations
In St. Johns County, Florida, a 48-year-old man was arrested for stealing from multiple religious organizations. The incident culminated near Cross Creek Church on Greenbriar Road, where deputies used a PIT maneuver to halt the suspect's stolen vehicle. Inside, items presumed stolen from various religious entities were found. The man faces several charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle and burglary. The extent of the theft across the organizations is still being assessed. (I’ll say it once at least every newsletter. Make sure your church has a burglar/fire alarm and a video system that can identify facial features and vehicle make/model).
Neo-Nazi Sentenced for Geauga County Church Arson
A white supremacist was sentenced to 18 years for firebombing a Geauga County church due to its hosting of drag queen story hour events. (1st, churches obviously shouldn’t be hosting drag queen story hours. With that said, all churches should be at heightened vigilance due to hatred against all Christians due to issues in the Middle East as well as hatred of Christians by left leaning organizations).
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Suspect Arrested for Arson at Pasadena Church
In Pasadena, California, a 32-year-old man, Michael Monzon, has been apprehended for allegedly setting a local church on fire and engaging in a series of criminal activities. The Pasadena Police Department linked Monzon to two fires at Dream Church, formerly known as Grace Korean Methodist Church, which occurred on January 19th. The first incident, which caused minor damage but no injuries, wasn't reported until the morning after. While investigating this arson, Monzon reportedly attempted a carjacking and set another fire in a parking lot. Arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Temple City on January 24th for unrelated charges, Monzon faces multiple counts including arson, burglary, attempted carjacking, and carrying a concealed weapon. The motive behind the fires is still under investigation. Church Arson is a serious issue in the US. Almost every issue I’ve put out mentions an arson. So, say it with me so the people in the cheap seats can hear us, “Every church needs a burglar/fire alarm.”
For further details, read the full article here: CBS News
Cumberland Church Vandalism Arrest
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Cumberland for vandalizing Trinity Lutheran Church on Frederick Street. Charges include burglary and malicious destruction of property, following reports of him discharging fire extinguishers, breaking light bulbs, and stealing food. (Sorry, that is all the article has regarding the incident. I have no further info).
Arrest Made in South San Francisco Church Shooting Incident
In South San Francisco, authorities have apprehended a 22-year-old male suspect from San Francisco, identified as Debari Charvel Augustine, in connection with a shooting at St. Augustine Catholic Church. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 1:25 p.m. on Callan Boulevard, thankfully resulting in no injuries. Augustine, seen fleeing the scene, was later arrested on charges of attempted murder, shooting into a dwelling, and possession of an assault weapon. The church's pastor, Father Ray, was not present during the event. Following the incident, Mass at the church was canceled for Wednesday as investigations by the police are ongoing. South San Francisco Councilmember Mark Nagales expressed distress over the violence occurring close to his home and reached out to church officials offering support. The South San Francisco Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
For more details, read the full story here: KRON4
Istanbul Church Attack Leaves One Dead
In a tragic incident at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Sariyer district, masked gunmen opened fire during a church service, resulting in the death of one person and wounding several others. The attack, which occurred on a Sunday, prompted Turkish authorities to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators, who were reported to have been wearing ski masks at the time of the attack. The Turkish Interior Minister condemned the act as "vile," while no group has yet claimed responsibility. This violent breach of peace at a religious site has drawn international condemnation and expressions of solidarity, including from Pope Francis and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, highlighting the global concern over attacks on places of worship.
High School Students Involved in Stabbing at Church Parking Lot in Chico
A violent altercation involving high school students erupted into a stabbing in downtown Chico, California, in the parking lot of Bidwell Presbyterian Church near Chico State University on January 31, 2024. The incident, which took place during lunchtime amid heavy rain, led to two individuals being transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and one person detained. According to Chico Police, the confrontation stemmed from an ongoing dispute among four girls, culminating in a severe attack where one girl was stabbed multiple times. Witnesses nearby reported a chaotic scene with students seeking help and displaying visible distress. The suspect, identified at the scene, was booked into Butte County Juvenile Hall on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. This unsettling event has sparked concerns about youth violence and the impact of bullying within the community.
For more details, read the full article here: Chico Enterprise-Record
San Francisco Man Convicted of Murdering Wife in Church
In a case that highlights the tragic outcomes of domestic violence, a San Francisco man, Wyn Leung, aged 47, was convicted of the murder of his wife, Jieyun Zhou, inside a church following a Palm Sunday service in 2018. The jury found Leung guilty of first-degree murder, felony domestic violence, and violating a restraining order Zhou had against him. Zhou, 37 at the time of her death, was seeking a divorce and custody of their two children. The attack occurred three days before their Family Court date, where Leung, in violation of a domestic violence restraining order, fatally stabbed Zhou 20 times inside the church after attempting to speak with her about child custody. The San Francisco District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins, emphasized the commitment of her office to standing by victims to ensure justice and accountability. Leung's sentencing is scheduled for March 4. This case serves as a harrowing reminder of the consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in such situations. (Domestic Violence occurrs more than you think in churches. If you see a domestic dispute in the church, split them up and call 911. I always like to interupt and tell the main aggressor, “We are in God’s house. Why don’t you and I go outside and we can talk privately.” That is a great way to get people to stop and take a breather.)
For further details, the full story can be accessed here: KRON4
Washington DC Church Prepares for Civil Unrest
I have been warning about the need for churches in certain areas to prepare their church for massive political unrest and violence as 2024 evolves. I put out a video warning of this just this week that you can view below. I ran across this article about a Methodist church that will be at ground zero for all of this unrest. You can read about that church here. If you have a church in an urban area, no matter the size, you need to come up with an operational plan and practice what you will do.
We’ve had an ongoing issue at a church in my state of mishandling child abuse.
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/feb/04/handling-of-abuse-claims-governance-structure/