Church Shocked After Boston Pastor Allegedly Shoots High School Student 'Execution Style' in Back of Head
A 55-year-old Boston, Massachusetts, pastor who was allegedly running a drug ring at a local high school while working there as a coordinator was charged with multiple crimes, including attempted murder after he reportedly shot a 17-year-old student "execution style" in the back of the head.
The Rev. Shaun O. Harrison Sr. was arraigned in Roxbury District Court Thursday on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and other offenses stemming from last Wednesday's shooting of the teenager on Magazine Street, according to The Boston Globe.
Harrison, who was reportedly mentoring the teenager in English, also had him selling marijuana as part of his drug business. The allegations against the man of God come in stark contrast to a pastor who's known for organizing gun buybacks and speaking out against violence. Police officials said he hid gang tattoos below his clerical collar.
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Suffolk Assistant District Attorney David Bradley explained in court that the pastor's alleged attack on the teenager was an "execution-style shooting." The victim, however, managed to survive even though he was shot behind the ear.
Bradley explained that the pastor arranged to meet with the student via text message at a gas station.
"He had told the victim that they were going to a house to get marijuana and meet up with some girls for the victim," said Bradley, according to the Globe.
Prosecutors allege, however, that surveillance video shows a man on a cellphone raise his hands toward the head of someone walking in front of him and then run from the scene.
The student reportedly stumbled into traffic and hailed a passing car for help. He was rushed to Boston Medical Center where a bullet was removed from the student's cheek.
Bradley said in court that the student told police that he'd been selling marijuana for Harrison for months.
The Rev. Gregory Groover, pastor of the Charles Street AME Church where Harrison attended services, told CNN that he was shocked.
"I was stunned beyond description," he said on hearing about Harrison's arrest.
Groover said when Harrison came to the church he was already ordained as a Baptist minister and he "got along with everyone."
"He seemed to consistently care with a deep heart for saving young people who were in the streets or gang related, prison-involved," said Groover. "That was the population that his life seemed to center around."
Harrison posted $250,000 bail after entering a not guilty plea and is under house arrest. He will return to court on April 6.
