Pastor Shot Dead During Sunday Church Service, His Brother is Arrested

Police in Dayton say a man shot pastor William Schooler, 70, during Sunday service while the choir sang.

An Ohio pastor was shot and killed during Sunday church services.

William Schooler, 70, of the St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton was shot while the choir sang around 12:30 p.m., witnesses said.

Police say Schooler was inside his office when shots rang out, causing the congregation to flee in fear.

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Before the shooting, witnesses told WDTN they saw the alleged shooter stand up from his pew and enter the pastor's office.

The suspect--who also happens to be Shooler's brother--was led away from the scene in handcuffs.

Daniel Schooler, 69, was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held at the Montgomery County Jail. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

"He had deep roots in the community," community leader Ronnie Moreland told WHIO. "He was a beloved leader. It’s hard to put into words what has happened."

Read: Mother of Kansas Shooter's Children Arrested For Providing Him With Guns: Cops

Many who knew the pastor shared their grief on social media, including Charlotte Allen, who wrote on Facebook:

"Say it ain't so. Last I knew Pastor William Schooler was the Pastor at St. Peters MBC , I can't believe anyone would want to harm him...SAY IT AIN'T SO...."

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