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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Trial to start Monday for suspect in deadly Tennessee church shooting

Emanuel Samson, left, enters the courtroom for a hearing Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding six other people at a Tennessee church in September 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emanuel Samson, left, enters the courtroom for a hearing Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding six other people at a Tennessee church in September 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Prosecutors are seeking life without parole for a man accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church.

Local news outlets report that 27-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson’s trial will start Monday. A jury is being selected this week.

Samson faces a 43-count indictment, including a first-degree murder charge, in the September 2017 shooting at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ.

An arrest affidavit says Samson waived his rights and told police he arrived armed and fired at the church.

A psychiatrist has diagnosed Samson with “schizoaffective disorder bipolar type” and post-traumatic stress disorder after an abusive, violent upbringing.