A pastor in Louisiana shot his wife on Wednesday, June 21 in front of their children before shooting himself at a hotel in Mississippi.

The lead pastor at the Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Pineville, Louisiana, Danny Prenell Jr., 25, shot his wife, Gabby Prenell, 27, before turning the gun on himself at a hotel in McComb, Mississippi. The horrifying event occurred around 3:30 pm, leaving blood-stained floors near the elevators of the Hampton Inn.

The condition of Danny and Gabby Prenell has not been officially updated by authorities. However, a Facebook post from one of Gabby’s friends revealed that she was still battling for her life in the intensive care unit. This shocking incident has left the community reeling with sadness and disbelief.

Court records show that Prenell had a history of domestic abuse against his wife, often pointing guns at her and beating her, according to a petition she filed in 2016 for protection against abuse.

Prior to his role as a pastor, Danny Prenell served as a sheriff’s deputy with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department until December 2022. On his Facebook page, he often shared reflections on personal growth and faith. In one post, he described his wife as a woman of class, discretion, integrity, and a woman of God, highlighting the depth of their relationship.

Unfortunately, this tragedy shines a spotlight on the distressing prevalence of domestic shootings occurring throughout the country. According to a database compiled by multiple media organizations, there were 17 reported cases in 2022 alone. Family mass killings, such as this one at the hotel, have become alarmingly common in various communities. Law enforcement officials attribute the motives behind these acts to financial or relationship issues.

In a heart-wrenching birthday message written on Facebook, Pastor Prenell expressed his love and admiration for his wife, referring to her as his queen and the woman to whom he owed his life.