‘God didn’t do this’: Minister grieves slain wife, son. Page 1.
In the midst of unimaginable tragedy, Les Ferguson Jr.’s faith survives.
“God didn’t do this,” said Ferguson, preaching minister for the Orange Grove Church of Christ in Gulfport, Miss. “This was just evil.”
Even as he clings to God, Ferguson can’t help but weep as he mourns his wife, Karen, and son Cole, 21, who were shot to death in the family’s home Oct. 10.
“They were just beautiful people,” Ferguson said. “My son struggled his whole life with disabilities. He was frustrated and hurt a lot, but he was a good boy. He wanted to do right, and he loved God. He loved to sing, even if nobody else understood what he was saying.”
Karen Brown Ferguson, 44, was “just the best mama and wife you could ever want,” the minister added. “She sacrificed her whole life for everybody around her. She did it again. I really believe she could have saved herself.”
The suspect in the double-homicide — Paul Ellis Buckman — died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his apartment about two miles away, Gulfport police Capt. Craig Petersen said.
In Big Sky country, three congregations merge as members heal old wounds (reporting from Helena, Mont.). Page 1.
Finding hope in a red door: Salt, light and housing for inner city (reporting from Oklahoma City). Inside Story.
The Ross News 