Shon Miller and the 1999 Gonzales Church Murders
Overview
On the evening of March 10, 1999, Shon D. Miller Sr. carried out a deadly attack at two locations in Gonzales, Louisiana. Miller, a 22-year-old former welder and military veteran, killed four people, including his estranged wife, his 2-year-old son, his mother-in-law, and a 19-year-old church deacon. He also wounded four members of a Baptist congregation during the attack.
The murders occurred during a period of conflict between Miller and his estranged wife, Carla Vessel Miller. Carla had separated from him and was reportedly staying with relatives while seeking to end their troubled marriage. On the night of the murders, Miller armed himself with a handgun and went to the home of Carla's mother before continuing to a nearby church where Carla and their young son were attending a Wednesday evening Bible study.
The Murder of Mildred Vessel
Miller's first victim was his mother-in-law, 53-year-old Mildred Vessel. At approximately 7:00 p.m. on March 10, 1999, Miller arrived near her residence on West Toby Avenue in Gonzales. Mildred was inside or near a van when Miller confronted her and opened fire.
Mildred was fatally wounded in the shooting. Miller then left the area and traveled only a short distance to New St. John Fellowship Baptist Church, where his estranged wife, young son, and numerous other adults and children had gathered for Bible study.
Attack at New St. John Fellowship Baptist Church
New St. John Fellowship Baptist Church was filled with congregants when Miller arrived. The Wednesday night gathering included families, church officials, and children. Miller forced his way into the building by kicking open the church doors while carrying his handgun.
After entering, Miller fired two shots into the ceiling. The sudden gunfire caused panic throughout the sanctuary. He ordered the people inside to get onto the floor and then began searching for his estranged wife and son.
Miller located 25-year-old Carla Vessel Miller inside the church. In front of members of the congregation, he shot her. Their 2-year-old son, Shon D. Miller Jr., reportedly recognized his father and called out to him. Miller then shot and killed the child.
Miller also shot 19-year-old Vaniaro Jackson, a young church deacon who was seated nearby. Jackson suffered fatal injuries. Miller continued firing inside the crowded church, striking four additional congregants. Two of the wounded victims were initially reported to be in critical condition.
As people attempted to hide, escape, or protect children, Miller reloaded his weapon and continued firing toward the church pews. The attack left the sanctuary in chaos, with surviving congregants trying to assist the injured while others fled to find help.
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