BALTIMORE — A new twist in a Southwest Baltimore shooting investigation.
Police now say the May 26 shooting of a 59-year-old man is justified.
Detectives determined Norris Palmore was wounded while burglarizing Praise Cathedral church which is currently vacant and under construction on S. Mount Street.
Charging documents say the church pastor was the one who shot Palmore.
The pastor reportedly received an alert from ADT stating the church was without power.
He told police he went to check things out at the church, and found Palmore near the rear cellar door.
According to the pastor, Palmore advanced towards him with a pair of bolt cutters leading to the shooting.
The gun used was legally purchased and registered to the pastor, police say.
Police discovered freshly cut copper wiring at the scene.
While being treated at the hospital, Palmore apparently denied breaking in, claiming the church door was already open. Detectives say this admission suggests Palmore entered without permission.
Palmore survived his injuries, and now faces a slew of charges.
Court records show Palmore with a criminal history dating back to 1995, including previous convictions for drugs, burglary and sex offense.
His trial is scheduled for July 30.
