Black Men Shoot Up Church Because They Were Denied Access

A man is sentenced to 8 months in jail and another awaits to be sentenced for the shooting of a youth pastor during a church event.

By: A.J. Niles

When youth Pastor MarShon Peoples hosted a party for his youth group “Streams of Hope” this past January to honor one of his High School students, he expected to be over a great event full of fellowship, fun and joy. However, this did not occur once eight uninvited young men attempted to force their way into the event.

The eight men demanded entry into the party and Peoples stood his ground. Just as peoples began to call 911, he was attacked and struck in the head as guns were shot.

Peoples tells 24 Hour News 8( WOOD-TV) in Grand Rapids, Michigan,

“I pushed send and then that’s when ‘boom’ happened.”

Despite Being shot by the men attempting to force their way into the event he was hosting, youth pastor Peoples does not want to see these men end up in jail despite being shot by one of the men.

“I’m not angry at the young men. I’m more angry at the choice. They need help and we as a whole have to help them. Putting them into a cell with other misguided people is not the answer.”

After a short investigation by Police, Devontae Collier and Jaylen Woods were arrested and charged with the crime. 24 Hour News 8 is reporting:

In April, Collier pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and to carrying a concealed weapon. He’s expected to be released from jail Jan. 30, 2013.

Woods, who court records revealed fired the gun that hit Peoples in the head, faced a number of felonies in the case. A source said he was inside the center at the time the shots were fired. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 11, 2012.

Police sources told 24 Hour News 8 they are looking for two more suspects, and when release more information when they are in custody.

This is just another in a growing list of unfortunate shootings that have occurred in the state of Michigan.