Boy’s fight for life with dead family nearby
A BOY of five was found clinging to life by a pew in First Baptist Church as family members lay dead nearby.
Devin Kelley shot Ryland Ward in the stomach, groin and arm, and killed his stepmum Joann Ward and her daughters Brooke Ward, five, and Emily Garza, seven.
Her eldest daughter Rihanna, nine, had her glasses shot off but escaped injury by hiding under a pew.
Ryland’s aunt Leslie Ward rushed to the church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, from home after hearing shots. She said: “I found my nephew in the front, in pain.
It was bad. There were just dead bodies everywhere. I was worried about finding my family.”
Ryland was yesterday said to be stable in hospital. The victims, aged between five and 72, included pastor’s daughter Annabelle Pomeroy, 14. Her parents were away. Stand-in preacher Bryan Holcombe, wife Karla and pregnant daughter-in-law Crystal were also killed. There were reports three of Crystal’s children were shot. Their condition is unclear. A witness said: “The family is just devastated.” Police confirmed 23 people died inside the church, two were found dead outside and one died on the way to hospital.