911 call of Ogden church shooting released


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OGDEN — The 911 call reporting the Sunday shooting at the St. James Catholic Church in Ogden has been released.

An eyewitness to the shooting immediately called the Ogden Police Department to report the incident. The audio of the 911 call was released to the media on Wednesday.

"So, did he come into the church and shoot him in the church?" the 911 dispatcher said.

"Yes, he's shot inside the church in the head," the witness said.

The witness reported to the police dispatcher that the parishioners took cover on the floor and under the pews after Charles Ricky Jennings, 35, apparently shot his father-in-law, James Evans.

Another eyewitness also called 911 and identified the shooter.

"Who is it that did this?" the dispatcher said.

"Charles Jakes, Charles Jennings," the witness said.

Ogden police said that Jennings entered the church building and shot Evans without a word. Witnesses said that there was an ongoing dispute between Jennings and Evans that may have lead to the shooting.

Police detectives are also investigating if drugs and alcohol were factors in the shooting. Police said there was no evidence to suggest that Jenning's wife knew that the shooting was going to happen, even though she walked into the church holding hands with Jennings seconds prior to the incident.

Detectives are now looking at whether drugs and alcohol were factors.

Jennings is charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm by restricted person — all felonies.

Officials told KSL the bullet entered near Evans' right ear and exited through his opposite cheek. Doctors say Evans has several more surgeries ahead of him, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

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