Christmas Takes Deadly Turn at Pastor's House
Pastor accused of killing his own son
NBCPhiladelphia
A 21-year-old man has been killed after his father, a pastor, allegedly shot him on Christmas Day.
According to police, Pastor Kirk Caldwell and his family were gathered at the family's home on Ridge Ave. in Darby Borough when a dispute broke out between Caldwell's son, Jordan, and a woman who was a guest at the home.
Police said the woman was possibly Jordan Caldwell's girlfriend and, according to witnesses, the fight became "extremely violent."
Speaking to NBC10, Darby Borough Police Chief Robert Smythe said that, at some point, Pastor Caldwell "got involved" in the dispute and then pulled out his gun.
"A shot was fired. The young man was struck in the chest. The shot was fired by the father," Smythe said.
Neighbors and worshippers at End Time Harvest Ministries, where Caldwell preached, expressed shock over the incident, although several did not want to talk about it on camera.
The pastor was known an outspoken voice against violence, particularly this summer when a 17-year-old was fatally shot on a Darby street. At a vigil for the teen, he was quoted by the Delaware County Daily Times as saying:
"God has said, 'Vengeance is mine. He can do a better job of it than you can. Retaliation is never the answer. Retaliation is only going to make it worse."
Caldwell, a father of eight, remained at the scene until police arrived and was cooperative with detectives, according to Smythe.
Charges against Pastor Caldwell are pending.
Posted Saturday, Dec 26, 2009 - 1:37 PM EST
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