MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A South Memphis pastor is reportedly in the hospital recovering Monday night after being shot right outside his church on Sunday, Feb. 25.
Memphis Police said the shooting followed a carjacking around 9:15 a.m. at the New Zionfield Baptist Church south of Downtown.
The Livingston family was getting ready for service Sunday morning when they got a call that their beloved family member, 71-year-old Pastor Clemmie Livingston, was shot outside the church.
His daughter, Kevona Livingston, said incidents like this make some people afraid to leave their homes.
"It's hard to get people in church nowadays, and things like this make it even harder,” said Kevona.
The Livingston family said a church member went outside after hearing a car alarm. Shortly after, they said Pastor Livingston went outside too.
MPD said the suspects fired shots as they drove off and someone fired back.
According to the family, Pastor Clemmie Livingston's jaw was shattered by the bullet. They said he had surgery Monday morning and was doing better than he was Sunday, but said it will be a long road to recovery.
Additionally, the family said he was already battling cancer.
"They're trying to watch it because they don't want it to spread trying to operate on him," Kevona said. "It's bone cancer and they shattered his bone."
According to the police report, the suspects were two men wearing hoodies that did not know the pastor.
This leaves his son, Keith Livingston wondering why they decided to hurt his father.
"You got what you came for, but why hurt him? That's my question. He didn't hurt nobody,” said Keith.
As Pastor Livingston continues recovering in the hospital, his grandson, Kavion Woodin, said his family is standing strong.
"My granddad's biggest thing is to keep the church going on,” said Woodin.
The Livingston and New Zionfield Baptist families are asking for continued prayer and support from the community.
ABC24 asked MPD if there were any updates on arrests in this case, and was told it is still an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274 (CASH) with anonymous tips.