Tennessee Church Shooting: 1 Dead, 8 Others Including Suspected Shooter Injured

ANTIOCH, TN — One woman is dead and eight other people — including the church's minister, his wife, and the suspected shooter — are injured following a shooting at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, according to Metro Police.

The woman — identified as Melanie Crow Smith, 39 of Smyrna — was found dead in the parking lot, investigators say. Metro Police spokesman Don Aaron said she was "shot immediately." The suspected gunman, 25-year old Emanuel Samson of La Vergne was wearing a ski mask, arrived on the property shortly after 11 a.m as the 10 a.m. service was letting out. After shooting Smith in the parking lot, Samson entered the sanctuary where "approximately 50 people" were and began "shooting indiscriminately." Samson attended the church a year or two ago, parishioners told police.

Police said Samson is a native of Sudan and came to the United States in 1996. Samson is a legal U.S. resident, but police did not know if he is a citizen.

Police said four guns were recovered after the shooting. Two pistols were found in the church and a pistol and rifle was found in Samson's car.

Aaron said there were no children in the sanctuary at the time of the shooting.

The church's minister, Joey Spann, and his wife, Peggy, were among the injured, according to Nashville Christian School, where Joey Spann teaches Bible. NCS issued a statement around 2:15 Sunday:

As you may already know, one of our Bible teachers, Joey Spann, and his wife were both injured in the church shooting this morning at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch. We do not have any additional information at this time but want to boldly ask you to pray. Please lift up Coach Joey Spann and his wife Peggy and all who have been injured or impacted by this tragic event. We will keep you informed when we have more information. Thank you for being a part of our family of faith and for interceding on behalf of the Spanns.

All but one of the injured at the church on Pin Hook Road were taken to area hospitals, according to the NFD. Samson was wounded by a "self-inflicted gunshot," Aaron said. An usher, identified as 22-year-old Caleb Engle, who tried to confront Samson was pistol-whipped, Aaron said. Engle then went to his car to retrieve his handgun and when he returned, Samson then shot himself in the chest. Aaron said that shooting may have been accidental. Samson's injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. He is charged with one count of murder and seven counts of attempted murder . Engle, who Aaron said is "an exceptionally brave individual," held Samson at bay until police arrived.

In addition to Smith, the Spanns and Engle, the other victims are William Jenkins, 83; Marlene Jenkins, 84; Linda Busch, 68; and Katherine Dickerson, 64, according to police.

Other parishioners were being interviewed by MNPD.

Charlie Saunier, who lives in the neighborhood adjacent to the church, told Patch that a number of streets in the area are blocked off and he estimated five ambulances, four fire trucks, and "maybe 20 cops."

Another neighbor reported what she saw and heard to WKRN's Josh Breslow:

Mayor Megan Barry issued a statement shortly before 2 p.m.:

This is a terrible tragedy for our city. My heart aches for the family and friends of the deceased as well as for the wounded victims and their loved ones. Their lives have been forever changed, as has the life of their faith community at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ. My administration, especially the Metro Nashville Police Department, will continue to work with community members to stop crime before it starts, encourage peaceful conflict resolution, and promote non-violence.

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Photos of the scene by Charlie Saunier, used with permission; Samson mugshot via Metro Nashville Police