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Pennsylvania church shooter left, returned to fire fatal shot at ex-wife, police say

Darlene Sitler was allegedly shot dead by her ex-husband in a Coudersport, Pa. church on Sunday WIVB

(CBS/AP) COUDERSPORT, Pa. - Police say Gregory Eldred, the man accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife, Darlene Sitler, in the middle of a Sunday church service in central Pennsylvania, exited the church after firing the first shot and then returned moments later to shoot her again to ensure she was dead.

According to police, Sitler was thought to still be alive before the second shot was fired.

When Eldred re-entered the First United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport, Pa., police say he told church members, "I want to finish this," CBS affiliate WIVB reports.

Court papers indicate other members of the congregation, including the pastor and two other worshippers, grabbed Eldred after the second shot took place around 11:30 a.m., and held him until police arrived. Eldred allegedly threatened to shoot them and according to police more shots were fired, but no one else was injured.

Sitler, 53, was playing the church organ when she was shot about 20 minutes into the service.

Eldred, 52, is charged with first-degree murder, simple assault, terroristic threats and reckless endangerment in the fatal shooting about 140 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

The possible motive is unclear.

More on Crimesider
December 3, 2012 - Pennsylvania church shooting: Man shoots, kills ex-wife during church service, police say


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