70-year-old man indicted in Alabama church triple slaying, court records show

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An Alabama grand jury has indicted a 70-year-old man on capital homicide expenses within the deadly shootings of three folks at a church potluck dinner in June, based on courtroom data made public Friday.

The Jefferson County grand jury indicted Robert Findlay Smith this week in reference to the June 16 shootings of Walter “Bart” Rainey, 84, of Irondale; Sarah Yeager, 75, of Pelham; and Jane Kilos, 84, of Hoover, al.com reported.

Police responded June 16 to a report of an energetic shooter at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, a rich suburb of Birmingham. About 25 folks, together with Smith, had gathered late that afternoon for a “Boomers Potluck” dinner. He had beforehand attended some worship providers and at the very least one of many earlier potluck dinners there, authorities stated.

Jefferson County prosecutors on Thursday offered the case to the grand jury, which returned indictments in opposition to Smith.

“Smith has been indicted for capital homicide for killing two or extra folks,’′ District Lawyer Danny Carr advised al.com Friday. “It’s nonetheless very early within the prosecution of this case. We will likely be working carefully with the households of those that misplaced their lives that horrible day … as we progress towards holding Smith accountable.”

Smith is being represented by attorneys Emory Anthony and Moses Stone. Anthony didn’t instantly return a phone name looking for remark. Stone’s phone itemizing went unanswered. Smith stays with out bond within the Jefferson County Jail. A trial date has not but been set.

Smith was seated alone on the dinner when a longtime church member approached him and invited him to sit down with others at a desk, stated the Rev. Doug Carpenter, who based the church in 1973 and retired in 2005. Smith refused the provide, however then pulled out a handgun and shot three folks, authorities and reviews stated.

A church member rushed the gunman, struck him with a chair and held him till officers arrived, based on police.

Rainey was pronounced useless on the scene. Yeager and Kilos had been taken to a hospital the place they later died.

Authorities stated they haven’t but recognized a motive within the slayings.