Amanda Blackburn, a pastor’s wife, died after being shot in the head during a home invasion. Blackburn, 28, was about 12 weeks pregnant and protecting the couple’s 1-year-old son, Weston. Amanda was found inside their home by her husband after her returned from working out at a local gym around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
The pastor’s wife was taken off life support on Thursday and her organs were donated. Amanda Blackburn and her husband, Pastor Davey Blackburn, lived in a modest home in a quiet neighborhood where any type of crime was considered unusual. Another burglary occurred in the neighborhood about three hours earlier with no one reported injured.
Indianapolis police are currently investigating both crimes to determine if there is a possible link.
#AmandaBlackburn on life support after attacker shoots her inside her home. Investigation update on @FOX59 at 6. pic.twitter.com/HxKvZvzfzM
— Kyle Inskeep (@Kyle_Inskeep) November 12, 2015
Amanda Grace Blackburn was the daughter of an Indiana pastor and moved to the area several years ago to help her husband start the Resonate Church. Pastor Davey Blackburn issued a statement about the death of his wife on the church website, thanking the congregation and community for their support after the tragedy.
@IMPD_News asking for public’s help trying to find out who killed 28 y/o Amanda Blackburn, pastor’s wife. @FOX59 pic.twitter.com/HeOkiIPIL7
— Lindsey Eaton (@LindseyEatoNews) November 11, 2015
The killer remains loose and a reward for information about the man has been offered by the Indianapolis Police Department, the Daily Mail reports. Indianapolis police investigators have released very few details about the murder, but did note that the pastor has been ruled out as a suspect.
“It’s impossible to communicate all the emotions my heart has been forced to process. My wife was such a beautiful, gracious, loving woman of God,” Pastor Blackburn said in a statement on the Resonate Church. “I have not only lost my ministry partner and support but also my very best friend. There is no way to prepare yourself for circumstances like these. As deeply as I am hurting I am hopeful and confident that good things will come of this. I rest in the truth of Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.”
A Celebration of Life is planned for Amanda Blackburn on Sun @ 5 at Traders Point Church. Public is invited @FOX59 pic.twitter.com/8YxDn5EfI0
— Lindsey Eaton (@LindseyEatoNews) November 13, 2015
Electronics and other household valuables were stolen from the neighboring home before the pastor’s wife was killed, according to a report by WTHR .
Amanda Blackburn is reportedly near death after being shot in the head inside her home. https://t.co/JfctScfsKH pic.twitter.com/58hn6qWUjY
— IndyStar (@indystar) November 11, 2015
Friends and relatives of Amanda Blackburn stated during an interview with local media outlet, WYFF , that the couple had recently announced that they were expecting their second child.
After the pastor’s wife died and initial news about the brutal killing became public, the Resonate Church posted a statement on Facebook offering their condolences to the family and sharing details about the young mother who was tragically killed while protecting her child.
[abcc] Manhunt Underway in Indianapolis for Killer of Pastor’s Wife: Amanda Blackburn was a mother to a 1-year… https://t.co/Q9J4SinZhw
— Economic Research (@a00x) November 13, 2015
Pastor Blackburn also thanked his congregation for allowing the family to have the time to grieve the loss of Amanda. He said his primary focus at this time was to comfort Weston.
“I’ll be taking this time to focus on being a great follower of Jesus, dad, family member, and pastor to our growing church,” Pastor Davey Blackburn added. “Amanda made it her life’s calling to love and serve everyone she knew. Even more, she has made it her life’s mission to see as many people as possible come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.”
[Image via Twitter]
