Utah Church Shooting: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Utah Church Shooting

A man shot another man in the head in a Utah church Sunday morning. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Charles Richard Jennings is Accused of Shooting a Man in the Head

Utah Church Shooting

Charles Richard Jennings (Ogden Police Department)


Charles Richard Jennings Jr., 35, is the man accused of shooting another man, James Evans, in the head on Sunday morning, reports KSL Utah. He was picked up by police the following afternoon in a stolen pickup truck after fleeing the scene. More details on the suspect are expected to be released by authorities.


2. It Happened in Ogden, Utah

Ogden Utah, Utah, Utah Church Shooting

(Google Maps)


The shooting happened in Ogden, Utah, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City.

3. During a Father’s Day Mass

St. James Catholic Church, Utah Church Shooting

St. James Catholic Church


The incident went down around 11:30 a.m. during a Father’s Day mass at the Saint James Catholic Church. Police said the suspect walked into the church hand-in-hand with his wife, pulled out a gun and shot the victim in his head.


4. The Victim is Expected to Live

James Evans, St. James Catholic Church

Karen Evans, center, comforts her mother Tara Evans after their father and husband was shot in the face at a Father’s Day mass on Sunday. Father Eric Richtsteig looks on. (Examiner)


The bullet went through the victim’s ear and out his cheek, missing the brain. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he is reported to be in critical condition, but is expected to live.

5. It Was Not a Random Act of Violence

St. James Catholic Church

(Deseret News)


Police report that the victim was targeted and that the shooting was not a random act of violence.

“The suspect was specific in the desired target and action,” Ogden police said in a statement.

The reverend of the church, Rev. Erik Richtsteig, said Jennings had previously made threats before.