A pastor in Louisiana shot his wife on Wednesday, June 21, in front of their three children before shooting himself at a hotel in Mississippi.
The horrifying scene unfolded in a Hampton Inn in McComb, where 25-year-old Danny Prenell Jr., head pastor at Pineville’s Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and his wife, 27-year-old Gabby Prenell, were found bloodied near the hotel’s elevators around 3:30 pm.
The current condition of the couple remains uncertain, but a close friend of Gabby shared on social media that she was battling for her life in the ICU.
Court documents reveal a history of domestic violence, with Gabby having secured a protective order against Danny in 2016. She had claimed that he had threatened her with a gun multiple times and frequently subjected her to physical abuse.
Before becoming a pastor, Danny Prenell worked as a deputy for the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department until the end of 2022. His Facebook posts often centered on topics of faith and personal development. He publicly praised his wife as a woman of God, showcasing his admiration for her.
This tragic episode underscores the alarming prevalence of domestic gun violence in the country. Data gathered by multiple media outlets have identified 17 such cases in 2022 alone. The violent incident in the hotel reflects a pattern often tied to financial or relationship strains.
A Facebook post by Pastor Prenell penned for his wife’s birthday bears an eerie relevance, showcasing his love and admiration for his wife, ironically referring to her as his queen and his life’s savior.