'I don't understand, but I know my God does,' says grieving Sutherland Springs pastor
SAN ANTONIO (KABB/WOAI) - A pastor and wife who are mourning the loss of their 14-year-old daughter in Sunday's church massacre spoke out Monday about the shooting that took so many lives.
"We lost more than Belle yesterday," said Sherri Pomeroy. "And one thing that gives me a sliver of encouragement is that Belle was surrounded yesterday by her family that she loved fiercely."
The Pomeroys spoke out after a briefing from investigators about the shooting.
WATCH: Annabelle Pomeroy's family speaks out
The Seguin Independent School District confirmed that Annabelle was a seventh grader at Briesemeister Middle School. She was a first-year student at the school. The district released the following statement:
The pastor's daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy, was a seventh grade student at Briesemeister Middle School. She was 14. She was a first year student at the school.
The campus principal hosted a staff meeting before school today and we have Communities on Schools counselors at the campus to provide support to students and staff. Additionally, counselors from other Seguin ISD campuses remain on standby to support as needed.
Investigators said the man suspected of killing 26 people at a church service did not have a license to carry and had sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law, a congregant of the church.
The Texas Rangers is the lead agency handling the investigation. It said of the 26 people killed in the massacre, 23 were killed inside the church, two were killed outside, and one person passed away at a hospital. Officials said the names of all the victims would be released once next of kin were notified. The victims ranged in age from 18 months to 77 years old.
Watch the full press conference here:
