Man Who Tried Shooting Pastor Now Charged In Cousin's Death: Police

NORTH BRADDOCK, PA — A man accused of trying to shoot a Pittsburgh area pastor during a weekend church service has now been charged in connection with the death of his cousin, authorities said Tuesday.

Bernard Junior Polite, 26, was charged with one count of criminal homicide after police discovered Derek Polite dead inside his home in the 500 block of Stokes Avenue on Sunday, Allegheny County police said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, Pennsylvania State Police said Bernard Polite tried to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany during a church service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place in North Braddock. Police said Bernard Polite pointed the gun directly at Germany but it failed to fire.

• RELATED: Man Tries To Shoot Pastor During Sermon: PA State Police

Germany and a congregation member were able to subdue Bernard Polite and disarm him, police said.

Video of the incident was released to multiple outlets including NBC10 Philadelphia and WPXI.

Following the incident at the church, Allegheny County police said family members went to Derek Polite's home to check on him and discovered him dead inside.

While interviewing witnesses, police said Bernard Polite was seen pacing outside his cousin's home Sunday morning. A neighbor also reported hearing a possible gunshot in the area around 10 a.m., police said.

According to authorities, the bullet recovered from Derek Polite's body matched those in the gun used by Bernard Polite at the church

Bernard Polite was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the incident at the church, authorities said.

Bernard Polite is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary arraignment.