N.C. Minister Allegedly Murdered by Spouse Hours After Easter Service
Michael Foust
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By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com
A North Carolina church is mourning the tragic death of one of its ministers, who was shot and killed early Monday morning, allegedly by her husband.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says Tammy McCollum, 58, was shot during an argument shortly after midnight Monday by Eddie McCollum, 61, who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He remains in jail, with his bond set at $1 million, WBTV reported.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, hours after the church held its annual Easter service.
Tammy McCollum was a minister at The Well Worship Center in Statesville, N.C., as well as an employee at Ulta Beauty in Charlotte, according to The Christian Post. Eddie McCollum is a teaching assistant at Southwest Middle School and has been suspended with pay, WBTV said.
The Well Worship Center wrote on its Facebook page that the death “comes under deeply tragic circumstances, and we ask that you keep the family and all who are affected in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
“As a community of faith, we are reminded to lean on one another for strength, compassion, and support,” the church wrote. “We encourage everyone to respect the privacy of the family as they grieve and to extend kindness in both word and action. … Let us come together in prayer, trusting in God’s comfort and peace to carry us through this season of sorrow.”
The post concluded with a verse from Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Eddie McCollum allegedly used a shotgun in the crime. He called 911, police say.
Her friends filled the church’s Facebook page with tributes.
“This hurts! Tammy and I worked together. Sending condolences to her family, friends, and all who were impacted by her,” one person wrote.
“I am so sorry and sad. I loved Minister Tammy, and I still love Minister McCollum. I am praying for all,” another person wrote.
“Sweetest girl,” still another person wrote.
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
