CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 13, 2005)—A 44-year-old man shot and killed seven people and injured four others before killing himself March 12 during a
church service at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The gunman has been identified as Terry Ratzmann.
Mr. J.D. Crockett, director of business operations and spokesman for the Living Church of God, said the church is deeply saddened by the events of
last Saturday’s church service.
"We are shocked by the events of this weekend’s tragic church service and are praying for the families of the victims as well as for the family
of Mr. Ratzmann. We are providing spiritual counseling and pastoral care for the families of the deceased as well as the entire congregation in Milwaukee," Crockett said. Currently, the church is cooperating with authorities to support the investigation and to attempt to provide comfort for the victims of this
regrettable tragedy. Little is known about Ratzmann, who was a member of the Brookfield congregation. He lived with his mother and adult sister and was known by neighbors as a quiet man who
was an avid gardener.
"We are also saddened by the loss of Pastor Randy Gregory, his youngest son James, and all those who died. Our thoughts go out to his wife Marjean,
who is fighting for her life and is in critical condition at a local hospital, and to her family and all those who were injured; we are praying for their recovery," Crockett said.
The Living Church of God is headquartered in Charlotte, NC and is led by Mr. Roderick C. Meredith, who is in his 53rd year of ministry. The LCG has
7,000 members in 288 congregations in more than 40 countries. Members believe that they should "live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). The Living Church of God is headquartered at
2301 Crown Centre Drive, Charlotte, NC 28227. For further information about the church call 704-844-1970 or visit them on the Web at www.lcg.org. | 
