DETROIT (AP) – Police on Tuesday released the name of a man who they say was shot and killed by a pastor during a confrontation in a Detroit storefront church.
Officer Jennifer Moreno said investigators are still questioning witnesses about the killing Sunday of 26-year-old Deante Smith, who was shot several times by the pastor at the City of God church. Police say the pastor shot Smith after Smith threatened him with a brick.
Authorities have declined to publicly identify the pastor, who was questioned and released without charge and who is cooperating with the investigation.
Police say the men knew each other and had problems. Officer Keisha Beasley-Dorsey said the pastor had previously filed a complaint about Smith with the department.
Smith’s sister, Deja Ward, told The Detroit News that her brother and his wife had lived at one point with the pastor. Ward added Smith had no problems with anyone.
Menu