One Killed, One Wounded in South LA Shooting Near Church

One man was shot and killed and a security guard was injured when a gunman fired at them outside the 88th Street Temple Church of God and Christ on Wednesday night in South L.A. 

The shooting happened minutes before a Bible study was set to start at 7 p.m. at the church, located on the 8800 block of South Vermont Avenue.

John Matthews, 36, was walking outside the church and talking to a security guard when the gunman approached both victims. Matthews had no relation to the church, according to Pastor Anthony Williams, who was in charge of bible study that evening.

Matthews was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"I was in Bible study," Williams said. "I was just opening the prayer when I heard the shots just here in the back portion of the church. So I went out these doors, and as I began to go out to the parking lot, our security guard was limping saying that he was shot."

The security guard, who was ushering guests into the parking lot when the shooting happened, has not been identified. He is in stable condition, according to the pastor.