As authorities continue to investigate the motives and events that lead to the tragic shooting deaths of 25 people at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas on Sunday, the public is learning more about the beautiful lives that were lost in the massacre. While officials initially indicated that the victims were between the ages of five and 72, an 18-month-old is now confirmed to be among the deceased.
On Monday, Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Freeman Martin told reporters that of the 25 people killed, 23 were found dead inside the church, two outside the building, and one died later at the hospital. The victims ranged in age from 18 months to 77 years old.
18-month-old Noah Colombe was one of eight members of the same family killed in the callous attack. As the New York Post reported, Noah’s father, Danny, his grandparents, substitute pastor Bryan Holcombe and his wife, Karla, his pregnant aunt Crystal Holcombe, and three of her five children all lost their lives. The 14-year-old daughter of First Baptist Church pastor Frank Pomeroy also died.
Additionally, Fox News reported that among the 20 that were left wounded in the shooting, 10 remain hospitalized in critical condition. Martin said those in treatment range in age from five to 73.
While an official motive has not been released, authorities believe it was a “domestic situation” that led 26-year-old Devin Patrick to target the church where his mother-in-law was a member. Martin said that rampage was not believed to be racially or religiously motivated.