A victims rights advocate escorted McDowell's family members out of Fulton County Jail on Thursday. They had hoped to see Palmer in person, but the suspect waived his first court appearance.
"Mr. McDowell was a very loving person, extremely loving, and was a saved, God-fearing Christian man," said Sunshine Lewis of the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
Family members have surrounded McDowell's wife and two children for comfort. McDowell was not only a member, but worked at the church. Several members of the megachurch said the 39-year-old victim was a strong man of faith, who often arrived early and was last to leave.
The man accused of killing McDowell was also a former church employee. Palmer resigned his post at the south Fulton County church earlier this year.
In a church service streamed over the internet Wednesday night, founder and pastor Creflo Dollar talked about McDowell 's faith.
"We didn't lose a friend, we didn't lose a brother…I know exactly where he is," said Dollar.
Police say Palmer and McDowell knew each other, but investigators have not determined a motive in the shooting yet.
McDowell's family told FOX 5 that they are not ready to comment on the shooting.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
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