One of the youth pastors at a Dallas church was shot and died on Easter Sunday just after a morning service. The church is in mourning for his loss. On Sunday afternoon, Denzel Branch, 31, was shot and died.
Branch and 30-year-old Joshua Andrews got into a verbal altercation on 56th Street in southeast Oak Cliff, according to Dallas police investigators. FOX 4 was able to get an arrest affidavit which indicates that Andrews had a romantic involvement with Branch’s former wife.
The altercation got physical. According to the records, a witness reported to police that Branch struck Andrews through the open window of the car Andrews was seated in.
The witness states that after that, Andrews exited his vehicle brandishing a black handgun and shot Branch multiple times. After being brought to the hospital, he passed away. Although Andrews left the scene, he eventually gave himself up to the authorities.
Church releases a statement following death
According to the arrest complaint, Andrews confessed to shooting Branch on purpose and said he shouldn’t have. Branch served as the New Generation Church’s youth pastor. The church said in a statement,
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place down the street from our church after our morning service on yesterday. We sincerely appreciate everyon’e prayers and concern, and we ask for your continued prayers for the families and our church family as we navigate through these difficult times,”
Andrews is accused of murder and is being held at the Dallas County Jail.
