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11.24.2008

fatal shooting at indian church

Tragedy at a New Jersey church over the weekend... In Clifton, a gunman shot and killed his estranged wife and another parishioner during a Sunday church service at St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Knanaya Church: Search Continues For Fatal Church Shooting Suspect.

According to police, 27-year-old Joseph Pallipurath drove cross country intent on taking his estranged wife, 24-year-old Reshma James, back with him to California. She had recently moved to New Jersey to escape an abusive marriage and had filed a restraining order against Pallipurath.

When she wouldn't go, Pallipurath shot her in the head. He then shot James' cousin and another parishioner, Jimmy Alummooil, who tried to help. About 200 people had gathered for Sunday service that morning.

The shooter is still at large. Police said Pallipurath was driving a green 2004 Jeep with California license plates and a black soft top. He was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt and was believed to be carrying a silver handgun.

UPDATE: According to authorities, Joseph M. Pallipurath was captured was captured around midnight Monday in Monroe, Georgia, near Atlanta: Suspect in New Jersey Church Shooting Is Captured. Good.