A pastor has been shot and killed in the same Florida city that saw the death of Rev James "Tripp" Battle of Bayshore Baptist Church, Bradenton in December.
Anthony Shinholster, 57, served at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Bradenton. He was reportedly killed in his home on Sunday. A man is being held in custody for the Battle shooting and the two cases are not said to be connected.
As well as serving as a pastor, Shinholster also ran a fruit and vegetable stand and was well known in the community. His sister Thenecia, who was staying with him, said she could not think of anyone who would wish to harm her brother. She told the Bradenton Herald, "He was a wonderful man. We are all baffled."
Battle was one of three victims of a shooting spree which also saw the deaths of Amber Avalos and her friend Denise Potter. Avalos' husband Andres is being held in connection with their deaths.
A memorial fund was set up to benefit Battle's widow and two young children with a target of $30,000. Another fundraising page has been set up to support the children of the Avaloses and Denise Potter.
Bradenton has also been in the news for a business venture started by the notorious Pastor Terry Jones, who burned copies of the Koran. He set up Fry Guys Gourmet Fries in a local mall, though he was asked by the management not to attend personally due to fears of disruption and shoppers' safety.
