Dead Lake Charles Pastor Accused Of Raping Accused Murderer’s Wife Before Shooting

The wife of 53-year-old Woodrow Karey Jr. had filed a rape complaint against Lake Charles pastor Ronald Harris on September 25, just two days before Karey allegedly gunned him down during a revival service at the Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center around 8:20 p.m. on Friday.

That’s according to records with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they are working to determine the extent of the victim and the suspect's wife's relationship. Mancuso says Karey had apparently found text messages between his wife and Pastor Ronald Harris last weekend.

Karey is charged with 2nd degree murder. Karey allegedly shot Harris twice with a shotgun - while he was preaching - then turned himself in shortfly afterward. Mancuso says Karey gave deputies some information when he turned himself in right after the incident took place but he is now working with a lawyer. He says Karey's actions were beyond extreme:

He could have asked for a divorce or he could have gone to, you know, his wife and him could have tried to seek marriage counseling. From my understanding, the text messages are a week old so he had time to cool off, in my opinion.

Bond is set at $1,000,000.00 for Karey. The case remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil will be held Tuesday night at the Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center. Organizers say the gathering will begin in the church parking lot Tuesday night beginning at 6:30 p.m.