Utah Man Shoots Father-in-Law In Head During Catholic Mass

Charles Richard Jennings Jr. is in custody after allegedly walking into a Catholic church and shooting his father-in-law in the back of the head on Sunday.

Investigators say 35-year-old Charles Richard Jennings Jr. was captured Sunday afternoon in nearby Box Elder County after fleeing in a stolen pickup truck.

The shooting happened as parishioners were lining p to take communion.  Witnesses say they heard one gunshot during the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Saint James the Just Catholic Church and that parishioners immediately hit the floor while several men chased the shooter.

The victim, James Evans, was taken to McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.  Evans will need reconstructive surgery and rehab to learn to swallow and speak again.

Jennings was booked on suspicion of attempted aggravated criminal homicide, aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm by a restricted user. The Weber County District Attorney is expected to file formal charges Tuesday.