The Tragic Incident Involving a Ghanaian Pastor and His Wife

After the shooting incident that led to the death of his wife Barbara Tommey, a US-based Ghanaian pastor, Sylvester Ofori, has been taken into custody.

The tragedy occurred outside his wife’s workplace at the Navy Federal Credit Union near the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, on Tuesday 8th September 2020. 

According to an Orlando Police Department spokesperson, Barbara was fatally shot by Sylvester near the business’ front doors on the 4600 block of Gardens Park Boulevard just before 9 a.m.

Despite being rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, Barbara succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.

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Sylvester Ofori, aged 35, was apprehended at his apartment on the same day and is currently held without bond at the Orange County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm. 

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At a press conference, Chief Orlando Rolón mentioned that the shooting was recorded by surveillance cameras.

He stated, “You can tell that she was surprised by what was happening.”

The Navy Federal Credit Union issued a statement regarding the tragic incident.

The statement reads: “This morning, a team member was fatally injured during an act of violence outside our Millenia branch, by a man she knew, according to the police. 

“Our thoughts are with our team member’s family. Our number one priority is keeping both our members and team members safe. We will ensure all team members at the branch are provided with the support they need during this time. Any further information can be provided by the Orlando Police Department.”

It has been reported that Pastor Sylvester has been abusing his wife for a prolonged period. Due to this abuse, Barbara was encouraged by her family to leave him. Despite this, Sylvester found her at her workplace and shot her multiple times.

An eyewitness named Lisa, who observed the shooting, expressed her shock and stated, “I’m shaken up right now, I’m still shaken up.”

She recounted seeing Barbara step outside to move her car before being shot. 

“The next thing I knew, he raised his hand with the gun in it, and he shot her,” she said.

“The guy was walking behind her. I don’t know if she knew he was there or not. I started running and as I’m running, I hear three or four more shots.”

Lisa spoke highly of the deceased woman.

She mentioned, “She was always very nice when I came into the bank. She’s very nice, very nice.”