The alleged gunman in Sunday’s Antioch church shooting is in custody, according to police.
Emanuel K. Samson is taken into custody by police after being released from the hospital. Photo courtesy Metro Nashville Police Department.
The gunman is identified as Emanuel Kidega Samson, 25. He was armed with two pistols and upon arriving at the church, he is alleged to have shot and killed Melanie Smith, 39, of Smyrna.
Samson is then accused of entering Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch and opening fire, injuring the minister, Joey Spann; his wife, Peggy Spann; William Jenkins; his wife Marlene Jenkins; Linda Bush; and Katherine Dickerson.
Joey Spann is listed as critical Sunday afternoon while others were listed as stable condition.
During the shooting, Samson was confronted by 22-year-old usher Robert Engle. Samson pistol-whipped Engle, who then went to his car to retrieve his own gun (Engle has a legal carry permit). Engle held Samson until police arrived and is being hailed as a hero.
Samson was admitted to Vanderbilt Medical Center and later released into police custody. He has been charged with one count of murder. Other charges are pending.