BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, Mo. — A husband and wife have been charged after shots were fired at Grace New Covenant Church during services earlier this month.
Derick Williams is charged with one count of first-degree assault, one count of armed criminal action and two counts of unlawful use of weapon. He is being held with no bond.
Dana Williams is charged with two counts of unlawful use of weapon. She is being held on a $75,000 bond.
In court documents, according to the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department, a security guard said on July 14, Derick Williams approached him from behind and put a gun to his head, threatening to kill him.
The guard said after a physical struggle, they separated as he entered a nearby room to make contact with the pastor. The guard said he looked out of the room and saw Derick point a gun at his position. When he re-entered the room he was in, the guard said he heard a gunshot.
The guard said he returned fire and that Derick exited the building, and that Derick's wife Dana Williams pointed a firearm at himself and another security guard at the church before gathering their children and leaving.
The shooting happened on a Sunday afternoon while another congregation, Brothers and Sisters in Christ Fellowship Church (BASIC), was holding its service at the outreach center. That week, parishioners and the pastor spoke with 5 On Your Side recounting the scary moment, having to duck for cover and get people to safe locations.
Derick and Dana Williams have a bond reduction hearing set for July 30, and a preliminary hearing set for Aug. 22.