Police Release Name Of Man Fatally Shot By Pastor In Detroit Church

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Police have released the name of a man who was fatally shot by a pastor during a confrontation in a Detroit storefront church.

Officer Jennifer Moreno said Tuesday that 26-year-old Deante Smith was the man killed Sunday afternoon at the City of God church, near Grand River and Lahser, in the city's Old Redford neighborhood.

Police said church service was letting out when Smith arrived with a brick in hand, 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.

Authorities have so far declined to publicly identify the pastor, who was questioned and released without charges. Moreno said investigators are still questioning witnesses.

Police said the men knew each other and had problems.

Smith's sister, Deja Ward, told The Detroit News that her brother had no "beef" with anyone, but went to the northwest side church seeking "closure." She said Smith and his wife previously lived with the pastor.

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.

Langton said a report set to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office will likely focus on whether or not the shooting was justified.

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