Prosecutors Need More Info In Case Of Man Fatally Shot By Detroit Pastor
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Prosecutors are asking police for more information in the fatal shooting of a man by a Detroit pastor at a storefront church before deciding whether to file charges.
Deante Smith, 26, was killed Oct. 18 at City of God Ministry, near Grand River and Lahser, in Detroit's Old Redford neighborhood.
A police report was submitted to prosecutors this week but more information was sought Thursday.
Prosecutors didn't elaborate in a brief statement to reporters confirming the case had been sent back to police.
Police said church service was letting out when Smith arrived with a brick in hand, allegedly threatening Smith and members of the congregation. That's when the pastor pulled out a gun shot Smith several times.
Smith was taken to a local hospital where he died a short time later.
The pastor has not been publicly identified.
The men knew each other, according to police, and witnesses said they'd together at some point and had some problems.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reported some who know those involved believe Smith was upset because the pastor got his wife pregnant. That claim has not yet been confirmed.
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