Terry Ratzmann

Mass Murderer

Terry Ratzmann and the 2005 Living Church of God Shooting

Background

Terry Michael Ratzmann was a 44-year-old computer technician and longtime member of the Living Church of God congregation in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area. He lived with his mother and sister in New Berlin and was generally described by neighbors and acquaintances as quiet, private and socially withdrawn. He had attended services with the congregation for several years and was familiar with its ministers and members. During the period leading up to the shooting, Ratzmann was reportedly experiencing several personal difficulties. His temporary computer-related employment was ending, and people who knew him said he had struggled with depression and feelings of isolation. Investigators also examined reports that he had become upset by statements made during church sermons. However, no suicide note or written explanation was found that conclusively established why he decided to attack the congregation.

The Living Church of God Congregation

The Living Church of God did not have a permanent church building in the Brookfield area. Members regularly rented meeting rooms for Sabbath services. On Saturday, March 12, 2005, approximately 50 to 60 congregants gathered in a conference room at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin, west of Milwaukee. The service began at approximately 12:30 p.m. Ratzmann was not present when the meeting started. He arrived roughly 20 minutes later, entered the hotel and walked toward the room where the congregation was assembled. He was carrying a 9mm Beretta 92FS semiautomatic pistol and additional ammunition magazines.

The March 12, 2005 Shooting

At approximately 12:50 p.m., Ratzmann entered the conference room and immediately began firing at members of the congregation. Witnesses said the attack happened without any warning or verbal confrontation. Many of those present initially struggled to understand what was occurring as the sound of gunfire filled the enclosed meeting room. Ratzmann fired repeatedly toward the front of the room, where Pastor Randy Gregory and members of Gregory's family were seated. Investigators later believed the Gregory family may have been deliberately targeted, although Ratzmann also fired at other congregants throughout the room. Some victims were struck while seated, while others attempted to escape, hide beneath furniture or help wounded relatives and friends. Ratzmann emptied the pistol's first ammunition magazine, reloaded and continued firing. He discharged approximately 22 rounds during an attack that lasted about one minute. Seven members of the congregation were fatally wounded, and four other people were injured. Among the wounded was Pastor Gregory's wife, Marjean Gregory, who was critically injured but survived. As the shooting continued, several congregants moved toward Ratzmann or attempted to distract him. Their actions may have helped prevent additional deaths. Ratzmann eventually stopped firing at the congregation, placed the handgun against himself and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before police entered the room. ...

Confirmed Victims: (7)

Gloria Sue Critari 55 yr old Female

2005 Living Church of God shooting - Wikipedia