A victims rights advocate escorted McDowell's family members out of Fulton County Jail on Thursday. They had hoped to see Palmer in person, but the suspect waived his first court appearance.
"Mr. McDowell was a very loving person, extremely loving, and was a saved, God-fearing Christian man," said Sunshine Lewis of the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
Family members have surrounded McDowell's wife and two children for comfort. McDowell was not only a member, but worked at the church. Several members of the megachurch said the 39-year-old victim was a strong man of faith, who often arrived early and was last to leave.
The man accused of killing McDowell was also a former church employee. Palmer resigned his post at the south Fulton County church earlier this year.
In a church service streamed over the internet Wednesday night, founder and pastor Creflo Dollar talked about McDowell 's faith.
"We didn't lose a friend, we didn't lose a brother…I know exactly where he is," said Dollar.
Police say Palmer and McDowell knew each other, but investigators have not determined a motive in the shooting yet.
McDowell's family told FOX 5 that they are not ready to comment on the shooting.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:56 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:56:14 GMT
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:16 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:16:20 GMT
The owner of a proposed gun range squared off with some concerned residents at an Atlanta City Council meeting on Monday.
The owner of a proposed gun range squared off with some concerned residents at an Atlanta City Council meeting on Monday. The proposed gun range would be built in an old warehouse near Atlantic Station.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
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