A victims rights advocate escorted McDowell's family members out of Fulton County Jail on Thursday. They had hoped to see Palmer in person, but the suspect waived his first court appearance.
"Mr. McDowell was a very loving person, extremely loving, and was a saved, God-fearing Christian man," said Sunshine Lewis of the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
Family members have surrounded McDowell's wife and two children for comfort. McDowell was not only a member, but worked at the church. Several members of the megachurch said the 39-year-old victim was a strong man of faith, who often arrived early and was last to leave.
The man accused of killing McDowell was also a former church employee. Palmer resigned his post at the south Fulton County church earlier this year.
In a church service streamed over the internet Wednesday night, founder and pastor Creflo Dollar talked about McDowell 's faith.
"We didn't lose a friend, we didn't lose a brother…I know exactly where he is," said Dollar.
Police say Palmer and McDowell knew each other, but investigators have not determined a motive in the shooting yet.
McDowell's family told FOX 5 that they are not ready to comment on the shooting.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:52:32 GMT
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong."
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong. I would never, ever, ever do anything to violate the public trust."
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:29 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:29:16 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:13:25 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
