MONTEGO BAY, St James — When the first few shots rang out early Wednesday afternoon, worshippers inside Montego Bay New Testament Church of God paused their song of praise and struggled to process the unimaginable thought that their sanctuary had been breached by a hail of bullets.

Five shots were pumped into their church sister, Cora Thompson, as she sat and sold books mere metres outside. Some congregants who had gathered inside for a fasting and prayer session could hear the bullets hit their mark. Host, Pastor Bishop Ruel Robinson, said efforts are being made to ensure they receive counselling.

“We will have to pray for each other. This is not a personal thing, it is a collective experience as a church so we plan to provide grief counselling to the church members, and keep on praying and supporting the [victim’s] family,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The ground was still stained with Thompson’s blood as cops removed yellow crime scene tape after carrying out their investigations into the act that has rocked the church community.

“I know everybody is traumatised, having heard the explosions and then later to find out that one of their very own got [killed],” the bishop said.

He said efforts will be made to help the slain woman’s relatives cope with their grief.

He explained that Thompson sold books during church events and was a vibrant member of their community.

“Sister Thompson, the victim, she was a quality lady, somebody that is high-spirited and cooperative, supportive. She gets along well with almost everybody,” he disclosed.

Robinson did not hold back on his feelings about individuals who carry out these acts.

“It is obviously a loss of fear for God,” he said. “It shows a spirit of disregard for God and the sanctuary.”

Investigations are underway but, according to eyewitness reports, a man armed with a gun was seen fleeing the scene on foot in the direction of Dome Street, from Water Lane.

Police chief for the parish, Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, said they are committed to finding the assailant.

“We are very hurt and upset about it and we will not spare any efforts to find who the killers are,” he told reporters following the shooting.

The bloodstained floor outside the church at Water Lane where Cora Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon.