Boy, 15, Fatally Shot Near Church; Suspect Is Held

A 15-year-old boy shot in front of a San Bernardino church as he headed there for youth night died early Friday, police said.

Tory Lynch was about to go into Temple Missionary Baptist Church about 6:30 p.m. Thursday when a man walked up and began arguing with him, said San Bernardino Police Sgt. Jess Hernandez.

The suspect, Billy Edward Johnson, 24, allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Lynch several times in front of other teenagers and church employees.

Johnson ran, but was arrested minutes later in an apartment building in Colton, Hernandez said.

Lynch was placed on life support at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

The motive for the argument and shooting has not been detailed by police. Johnson is being held at the West Valley Detention Center.

At the church, Pastor Jeffrey Wiggins said about 30 teenagers typically show up Thursday nights for choir practice or youth night. They are taught lessons about life through the Bible and are given advice about avoiding gangs, abstaining from sex before marriage, doing well in school and other challenges they might face, he said.

“These aren’t at-risk kids. They’re not gang members. They’re just sons and daughters of members of the church who want to stay on the straight road,” Wiggins said. “They’re good kids.”

A vigil for Lynch was held Friday night, he said.