Church Pastor Killed in Forest Hill: Suspect Derrick Birdow's Wife Says He Was Mentally Sick

It was a tragedy in Forest Hill when Pastor Danny Kirk Sr., the founder of Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church was killed by Derrick Birdow on Monday (October 29).  Police arrived to the crime scene where the suspect used an electric guitar to attack the Pastor.  Birdow was shot with a Taser gun by the police and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Birdow's wife Shanellia Harris Birdow explained that her husband was mentally ill and had been trying to seek treatment before the sudden murder.  

"He was sick," she said. "He was really sick. Even these last couple days, he was trying to get help, but he didn't get it."

A vigil was held for the late Pastor Danny Kirk Sr. and the widow was present.  She was not sure how the reaction to her attendance would be however she said, "I wanted them to know I didn't have anything to do with it.  I don't know the reasons. I don't have answers to the questions that they have."

Harris mourned the death of her pastor and her husband, "I am torn, because not only did I lose my pastor, I lost my husband."

During the candlelight vigil, the late Pastor's only son Danny Kirk Jr. expressed his sorrow for the tragic death of his father.

"Daddy, I am not going to do you wrong," he said.  "I am not going to bring shame to your name. You named me Danny Kirk Jr. for a reason."

RIP Pastor Danny Kirk Sr.