Judge sets $3M bond for man charged in Selma church shooting - FOX Carolina 21

A Dallas County judge set James Junior Minter's bond at $3 million during his first court appearance Monday.

Minter is accused of shooting his girlfriend, infant and a pastor during a church service inside the Oasis Tabernacle Church in the 3700 block of Water Avenue in Selma Sunday.

According to Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, Minter has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. Minter may also face additional charges related to the shooting. If convicted he could face 10 years to life in prison and fines up to $60,000.

Bob Carswell, pastor of the Oasis Tabernacle Church of Selma, said Monday he was shot twice. He also said the 1-month-old infant lost four fingers in the shooting.

Investigators say witnesses recall around 10:25 a.m. Minter, 26, went inside the church and sat between the victim and the child. Shortly after, Minter pulled out a gun and began shooting.

When officers arrived, they found the 24-year-old woman who had been shot in the shoulder and jaw, the infant with a gunshot to the hand and the 61-year-old pastor, Bob Carswell, who had been shot in the leg. The woman and child were taken to hospitals in Birmingham. The pastor was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Family members have told WSFA the female victim has been discharged from the hospital. The infant is expected to be discharged Monday.

Witnesses say while Minter was shooting at his girlfriend, the pastor attempted to grab Minter and was shot. Others then assisted in subduing Minter and were able to take the firearm from him. Minter then fled the scene but was taken into custody by police, less than a mile away.

Investigators say the possible motive of the shooting stemmed from a domestic violence issue that had been ongoing between the couple. Minter was likely upset over a recent breakup and visitation issues with his son, police said.

According to the Associated Press, Minter had been arrested before but details on the nature of his past encounters with police weren't immediately available, Selma police Lt. Curtis Muhannad said. Authorities are also investigating whether Minter violated a protective order, Muhannad said.

Copyright 2015 WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved. The Associated Press Contributed to this report.