The man accused of a deadly shooting inside a south Fulton megachurch once again waived his court appearance on Friday.
Floyd Palmer, 51, is facing four charges -- homicide murder, felony murder, aggravated assault murder, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is accused of shooting and killing of volunteer prayer leader Gregory McDowell at World Changers International Church on Wednesday morning.
Palmer waived his first appearance on Thursday. He had a change of heart and his hearing was reset for Friday. The judge was not pleased at Palmer waiving his appearance again, and said he would not allow another change.
McDowell had worked for the church for at least 10 years in the production and distribution department. Palmer was also a longtime church employee.
Police have not release a motive in the shooting.
Jerome McDowell, the victim's uncle, said that the shooting has been difficult for the family.
"Mr. McDowell's wife, children, parent and family are doing about as well as can be expected considering the ordeal. We ask you to continue to pray for us throughout the days ahead. We certainly do greatly appreciate your consideration and love,' said Jerome McDowell.
Gregory McDowell leaves behind a wife and two sons, aged 4 and 7. The family has set up an account for donations at Regions bank.
Funeral services are still incomplete.
FOX 5 has learned that this isn't the first time Palmer has been accused of shooting in a religious institution. Police in Baltimore say that in 2001, Palmer was a security guard for a mosque when he allegedly shot another guard at the mosque in the back.
According to Detective Jeremy Silbert of the Baltimore Police Department, Reuben Ash, 26, was shot in the back in that incident. Investigators believe that Palmer attempted to continued firing but the gun jammed.
Court records show Palmer was committed to a mental health facility for psychiatric care after pleading not criminally responsible to lesser charges in 2004. Records show he was released the following year.
Palmer is being held in the Fulton County Jail. His next court appearance is set for November 9.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:01:57 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the Wednesday morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the Wednesday morning rush. Crews have bee working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:04 GMT
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
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.
