Churches Offer Counseling, Service for Family of Accused Shooter

Several churches have offered their assistance to the family of a man who police suspect shot and killed two employees at a church in Ellicott City, according to the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.

Howard County Police say , last week at in Ellicott City.

Kohn was a pastor at St. Peter's; Brewington was an administrator. 

Sign up for the Ellicott City Patch newsletter for breaking news alerts.

"Several of our churches have been in touch with the Jones family," Sharon Tillman, director of communications for the Episcopalian Diocese of Maryland told Patch.

"They have offered use of space, pastoral care and counseling to the Jones family," she said, adding that she did not know if St. Peter's was one of the churches that extended the offer.

On Thursday, May 4, a janitor called police and said that he found Brewington and Kohn in an office at the church, both with gunshot wounds. Brewington was pronounced dead at the scene; Kohn died several days later from her injuries.

from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said he lived on a campsite in the nearby woods and had been a frequent visitor of the St. Peter's food pantry but had recently become "belligerent."

The Diocese on May 5 issued an "e," in which it resolved to "recognize and address the needs" of the homeless and mentally ill.

Tillman said that the Jones family has not made arrangements with any of the churches offering support.

As for the gesture, "the bishop has offered his blessing," Tillman said. "He’s very pleased that they’re doing it."