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Arrest Made After Escambia County Pastor Shot At His Church
September 5, 2012
An Escambia County pastor was shot in the parking lot of his church Wednesday evening, and deputies have the suspect in custody.
West Pensacola Baptist Church Pastor Laddie Pierce was shot about 6 p.m. as he was headed to a Bible study. He was transported by ambulance to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. His injuries are not life threatening.
Randall G. Markham, 72, was taken into custody at the scene. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Deputies said Markham and Pierce were involved in an argument outside the church before the shooting. Markham, deputies said, then pulled a firearm and shot the pastor in the leg. There were no other injuries.
Markham, a member of the church’s congregation, admitted to deputies that he shot the pastor because he believed his wife was having an affair with Pierce. Markham told deputies that “his intent and purpose was to shoot Pierce in the groin area one time without killing him”.
“The pastor was shot by a member of our church who suffers with mental health issues. Pastor is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery,” read a statement issued Thursday by the church.
West Pensacola Baptist Church is located on West Jackson street.
Comments
18 Responses to “Arrest Made After Escambia County Pastor Shot At His Church”
Randy is a good, godly man. I’ve known him all of my life, have spent weeks with him, Jewel and the kids, they have spent weeks at our home. He is my cousin, and a wonderful individual. Perhaps he’s had a medication issue…my precious Randy is not a violent man, although he is clinically depressed, by diagnosis. God is his judge, not man. The pastor needs prayer for his part in this mess. I realize that he is human, but held to a higher standard. I pray that Randy and Jewel will be able to reconcile and live out the remainder of their lives together.
I just cannot believe Randy did this. His meds have to be messed up. The man I have met on many occasions was one of the kindest most gentle people I know. Very giving and Loving. I am very saddened.
No! Do not judge him. Just understand there are a number of–secure–long term care facilities that can meet his needs. Medication adjustments will be closely monitored. He will be well-cared for and Glocks will not be allowed.
His lawyer will be setting him up for this when he pulls the “insanity’ card and gets his client committed to State Hospital or WFCCC.
His freedom will come to an end by means of a civil committment to a facility or sent to prison after being found guilty in a criminal court.
His life as he knew it is over.
I know both and have heard that Randy has had his medications adjusted recently. I have seen first hand what can happen when Meds are changed. So do not pre judge.
Maybe something happened that’s not being told or maybe the shooter’s mental health is in question. Dementia or a stroke could cause him to be irrational. From what I’m reading he’s not a bad man. Praying for all involved and their families as well as the church family.
It is very common to hear people say that someone who has committed a violent act “is such a nice person,” but let’s remember that man looks on the outside, but God looks upon the heart.
We are praying up here in south Alabama and my heart is broken!
I am a pastor and have known Randy for years. He is a very dear friend. I’m praying for the pastor and Randy and their families.
Please let us know if Potential Church can help in any way. We are definitely praying for all involved. Let us know!
Chris Brown
Elder – Potential Church
Church Discipline would apply here and his membership would be revoked! and before all you pious folks out there say…Well you must forgive and blah blah blah let me shoot you in the leg and see how long you and I continue to fellowship.
Randy Markham is not a violent person. Something is wrong!! Hope the pastor is ok but I’ve known randy for a long time and this just does not sound right.
I went to West Pensacola Baptist for several years and have many wonderful memories. This church and its members are in my thoughts and prayers.
Praying for all, the pastor, the shooter, and the church family.
Praying for you all!
Your friends at Potential Church Pensacola are praying for you Pastor.
Heredes RIbeiro
Pastor
We are praying for you Laddie
had to be more to it than an misunderstanding,i have known randy markham for years,more will come out of it than just this.
PRAY FOR THE PASTOR,ALSO THE SHOOTER..