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(L - R) Joshua Andrews, the late Denzel Branch and Supt. Eric Andrews.
DALLAS (CC) - Joshua Andrews, son of New Generation Church's Superintendent Eric J. Andrews, is charged with the Easter Sunday afternoon gunshot murder of Denzel Branch: a youth minister at the Dallas-based church.
The shooting took place at around 3:30 pm local time, in the southeast Oakcliff neighborhood, just down the street from New Generation on 56th street.
First responders arrived at the scene after being made aware of a shooting in the vicinity.
They immediately saw that Branch was bleeding from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital but the Holy Ghost departed from him and he died.
Witnesses told police officers that both Branch and the alleged gunman, both still in their 30s, attended New Generation's Easter service, according to the arrest affidavit.
Dallas Police detectives said that prior to the gunshots ringing out, the two men were involved in a dispute that unfortunately escalated.
NBCDFW reported that Joshua Andrews was deep into a romantic relationship with Branch's ex-wife.
The pastor's son dated her for six months prior to the Branch's divorce being finalized in November 2023.
Andrews, the alleged shooter, was sitting in a car when Branch evidently punched him through an open window.
Andrews emerged from his vehicle, brandishing a handgun. Branch tried to drive away in a car, only to be chased down and shot dead.
Court documents reveal that Andrews apparently confessed to the shooting. Police investigators claim he pursued the victim and continued to shoot, "stopping when he saw (Branch) laying on the middle of the road."
Police also reportedly recovered a 9mm handgun from Andrews' car after obtaining a search warrant.
The tragic loss of a youth minister, and the incarceration of the pastor's son, are devastating blows to Dallas' Christian community.
Churchgoers are still reeling from the ongoing controversy surrounding Dallas-based Bishop T.D. Jakes, who had close ties to Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.
The latter's mansions in New York, Los Angeles and Miami were recently raided by federal authorities investigating Combs for alleged sex trafficking.
After the initial investigation of Joshua Andrews, Dallas' New Generation Church released the following statement:
"Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place down the street from our church after our morning service on yesterday.
"We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers and concern and we ask for your continued prayers for the families and our church family as we navigate through these difficult times.
"Psalms 46:1 states, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' In the days to come, we will trust in God's Word, continue in hope and look to God who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.'"
The statement's last few words are a partial quote from Hebrews 12:2.
The Christian community is flabbergasted by the news coming out of Dallas.
The circumstances surrounding Branch's untimely death were known throughout the local community before Andrews turned himself in that same evening of the shooting.
He was being held at the Dallas County Jail.
A “celebration of life” service was held for Branch at 1 p.m. on April 6 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
Branch had preached a sermon at New Generation on Good Friday. The topic was "Today, you shall be with me in paradise": a quote from Luke 23:43.
Branch's devastated mother, Shaylor Wilcots, told WFAA that he loved to make people laugh and had a positive attitude. He had five children and was loyal to the Church.
"He sang with the choir. He's also part of the ministry at the pulpit team in the prayer voice. I mean, he was just involved in everything," Wilcots said.
She is leaning on the everlasting arms of God, and is confident that everything works together for the good for those who love the Lord.
"I know justice is going to be served and I won't stand in the way, but I will be there to support and love his family, church, family and those that are around," said Wilcots.
"Even with him (Joshua Andrews), I continue to keep them in my prayers daily, hoping that he'll send a letter to say that he repented. If he doesn't know God, I hope he says that he accepted him as his personal savior."
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Wow! Awful.