The congregation at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio cannot believe their choir director was murdered.
Investigators arrested 18-year-old Keith Gaillard in connection with the death of 46-year-old Tyrone Davis. Davis was found with a gunshot wound to his head at a park in July.
Gaillard is also charged with murder in connection with India Clarke, a transgender woman who was also found shot dead in a separate park.
Rev. W.B. Roberts said Davis has been a devoted member of his church since he was a kid. Davis’ family is also active in the congregation.
“He was a strong-willed young man. The choirs would get tired because he would want to rehearse until they got it right,” said Roberts. “We called him Mr. Clean. He loved to keep our church clean.”
Gaillard was already in jail facing first-degree murder charges when he was charged in Davis’ murder.
Police said Gaillard stole Davis’ Chevy Impala after the killing. An FDLE analyst found blood spots in the car from both Gaillard and Davis. Police also say call logs from Davis’ phone show Gaillard called him the day of his murder.
Roberts says he hopes something positive will come out of the horrific crime.
“Even in prison, facing death, he can still find forgiveness with God," Roberts said. "That’s what we pray, that [Gaillard] finds God in the midst of this tragedy.”