By Shelley Rossetter, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A pastor has been found dead five months after he was shot multiple times during a prayer service at a church in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
A friend who visited daily found Carl Stewart, 65, dead in his home last week, said Carrie Eleazer, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office.
The medical examiner conducted an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Eleazer said. The results are pending a toxicology report, which can take more than six weeks to process.
Once results are in, the State Attorney's Office will make any decisions on further charges against Jeremiah Fogle, who is accused of shooting Stewart and another pastor in September, Eleazer said. Fogle also is accused of shooting and killing his wife earlier the same day.
In jail without bond, Fogle, 57, is awaiting trial on the charges of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and shooting into an occupied dwelling, according to jail records.
On the morning of Sept. 18, Fogle shot and killed his wife, Theresa Fogle, in their home, deputies say, and then walked about a block to Greater Faith Christian Church. Deputies say that as the congregation knelt in prayer, Fogle shot Pastor William Boss in the back of the head and then turned to Stewart and shot him in the shoulder blade, ear and back.
Two members of the church tackled Fogle before any more shots were fired, deputies said. Boss and Stewart were taken to a hospital with injuries.
Shelley Rossetter can be reached at srossetter@tampabay.com or (813) 661-2442.