A Mormon missionary was killed in Kingston, Jamaica, Monday when he was caught accidentally in crossfire during a police shootout, church officials said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a statement from its Salt Lake City, Utah, headquarters, said Jermaine Luther Walker, a Kingston native, was hit by a stray bullet while riding in a van with seven other missionaries.
"It appears the van they were in was caught in the crossfire as local police were pursuing another vehicle," a statement from the church read. "Elder Walker was immediately driven to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead."
The elders, serving in the Jamaica Kingston Mission, were on their way home from an activity on Preparation Day and not proselytizing when the shooting occurred.
"Although shaken, the other missionaries in the van were reported in good condition," said the statement from Church spokesperson Scott Trotter. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Elder Walker's family and all who knew this fine young man."
A Jamaican police spokesman didn't immediately return Monday evening calls about the shooting.
