Tyler, Texas – Mytrez Woolen, 24, is facing capital murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Pastor Mark McWilliams at Starrville Methodist Church in Winona three years ago. Woolen is also accused of injuring parishioner William “Mike” Sellars during the incident.
Prosecutors have decided not to pursue the death penalty for Woolen due to his verified mental illness. The defense has also opted not to argue insanity in his case. The trial for Woolen is scheduled to take place later this year in the 7th District Court, as confirmed by Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman.
When individuals are convicted of capital murder, they typically face either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. In January, it was reported that Woolen had been deemed mentally competent after undergoing treatment at a mental health facility. Both the prosecution and defense accepted the assessment from the hospital, as Woolen had previously been found incompetent to stand trial in December 2021.
The arrest affidavit details the events of January 3, 2021, when Smith County deputies responded to a shooting at Starrville Methodist Church. Witness reports indicated that Woolen, wearing jeans and a gray sweater, entered the church and shot Pastor McWilliams. The pastor’s wife, Rosemary McWilliams, called 911 stating that her husband had been shot. Sellars, who was also present at the church, sustained gunshot wounds when Woolen fired at him before fleeing the scene in a stolen pickup truck.
Witnesses recounted the tragic events, describing Woolen’s confrontation with Pastor McWilliams and the subsequent exchange of gunfire. The pastor ultimately lost his life from the injuries sustained, while Sellars survived with non-life-threatening injuries that required surgery.
Woolen was apprehended by authorities after a pursuit on Interstate 20, during which he refused to stop his vehicle. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office managed to disable the vehicle, leading to Woolen’s arrest without further incident. He is currently detained at the Smith County Jail on bonds totaling $3.5 million.
As Woolen’s trial approaches, the community awaits further developments in the case and seeks justice for the victims of the senseless church shooting in Winona.