Leonard Howard, 78, was among several family members killed in a church shooting at the Ministry of Jesus Christ on Dallas Drive in Baton Rouge. The violence began after Anthony Bell arrived during the Sunday service seeking reconciliation with his estranged wife, Erica. Tension escalated, and as people were leaving, gunfire erupted near the outer room. Five of the six adults present were shot in the head; Leonard and three other relatives of Erica were killed. Claudia Brown was shot but survived long enough to call 911 and report that Bell had shot up the church.

Bell fled with Erica and three children, then called 911 about two hours later claiming Erica had died by suicide at an apartment complex on North Ardenwood. Police found Erica with a gunshot wound to the head and a revolver in her hand; Bell was outside shirtless holding an infant. Forensic evidence linked the revolver and spent casings from the church to bullets recovered from Erica and another victim, and both Erica and Bell tested positive for gunshot residue. Bell was arrested that day and later indicted on five counts of first-degree murder and the attempted murder of Claudia Brown; a jury convicted him and returned death sentences and additional prison time.

Does anyone have further information about Leonard Howard’s life in Baton Rouge or recollections of the congregation that could help preserve his memory?