Pastor Mark McWilliams, a 62-year-old man from Winona, Texas, was tragically killed on January 3, 2021, during a church shooting at Starrville Methodist Church. McWilliams, who was preparing for Sunday service, encountered Mytrez Woolen, a 25-year-old man who had taken refuge in the church after evading police following a separate incident involving a firearm. During the confrontation, Woolen demanded McWilliams' vehicle keys and a struggle ensued.
Woolen fatally shot McWilliams and injured another church member, William "Mike" Sellars, before fleeing in a stolen pickup truck.
Woolen was later arrested after the vehicle was disabled by ONSTAR on Interstate 20. He was charged with capital murder and aggravated burglary. Despite his actions, the state chose not to seek the death penalty due to Woolen's diagnosed mental illness. Woolen's competency to stand trial was reaffirmed after treatment at Vernon State Hospital, and he was found guilty of capital murder in September 2024. The jury's verdict resulted in an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The tragic incident deeply affected the Winona community and garnered attention from local authorities and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who expressed his condolences and gratitude to law enforcement officers involved in apprehending the suspect. Rosemary McWilliams, the pastor's widow, provided a victim-impact statement during the trial, urging Woolen to seek God during his time in prison.
The case highlighted the challenges of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system and the impact of such incidents on small communities. The Winona community continues to heal and support the families affected by this horrific event.
