Mormon missionary shot and killed in Chesapeake, Virginia

The Virginian Pilot ^ | 1/2/2005 | Jim Washington

[gregwest]

CHESAPEAKE - A 21-year-old Mormon missionary died Monday night after he and his partner were shot while going door-to-door in the Deep Creek area.

The other missionary, age 19, was in serious condition at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Monday night, Chesapeake police said.

Police did not release the victims’ identities.

According to police the two missionaries were walking in the 2600 block of Elkhart Street off George Washington Highway about 6 p.m. when they were approached by another man. The man shot them both and fled on foot.

One of the victims ran to The Charity House, a nearby nursing home, to seek help.

Police described the suspect as a black male, about 5’10’’ wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans. He was last seen heading toward Janice Lynn Court, which backs up to Elkhart.

The two missionaries had bicycles, but were not riding them at the time.

A group from the Mormon church, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, waited in the consultation room at the Norfolk General emergency room Monday night. They declined to comment.

According to the church’s official web site there are more than 60,000 Mormon missionaries, mostly young men and women who volunteer to spread the church’s message for one and a half to two years all over the world, at their own expense.

There are apartment buildings at the end of Elkhart Street, and some residents could not leave or return to their homes for a time Monday night.

Police, working in a moderate rain, had the street blocked off a short way off George Washington Highway.

“This is close to home,’’ said resident Bobby Gatling. He has lived on the block for two years. “Nothing like this has ever happened here before.’’

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Reach Jim Washington at (757) 446-2536 or jim.washington@pilot online.com.

[colorcountry]

I don't believe you. You signed up today to post this....that you personally knew the young man. What State are you in? Utah or Virginia? Go mourn with him and his congregation.

It was a senseless act, having nothing to do with his religion. I'm an ex-mormon too, but it doesn't matter one whit weather or not you choose to live the tenants of Mormonhood

[Quester]

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

I realize that unless you twist the plain language the Lord uses, you have to admit that either He was talking to someone else or is insane. I prefer to believe that God is not insane. You may believe whatever you wish.

Oh ... I believe that God is talking to someone in the cited passage.

I would say ... God the Son ... and God the Holy Ghost.

Who do you think He's talking to ?

[ScratchHatch]

So wait, now there are 3 Gods?

[restornu]

You got FM

[Quester]

So wait, now there are 3 Gods?

Per the Bible ... there are (3) which are God, ... but only (1) God.

The best analogy I've heard for this is the nature of an egg.

An egg has a shell, a yolk, and a white ... which (3) in one, ... compose the whole egg.

I think that we should understand, however, that in this we are trying to comprehend the fullness of the nature of the infinite God.

Though it may be possible that we may approach such an understanding, ... inherently our finite natures are not capable of comprehending the totality of His being.

[Bellflower]

The funny thing is he is the same God, but some people want to believe and try and convince others that their God is better or there beliefs are right and others are wrong.

The thing is dhutto, logic says if you have two or more different, opposing views, either only one of those views is correct or none of those views is correct. They cannot all be correct. Also if you have two or more completely opposing descriptions of God then only one of those descriptions apply to God or none of them. For instance you cannot have these two totally different descriptions of the same God. One being of a God who is someone who at one time was a mere man who worked his way into Godhood and who is just a God among other Gods. Who is a someone that was imperfect but went through a process of becoming perfect. Who is someone that someday you may become yourself. The other description being of the one and only God who is all powerful, all knowing, and all seeing and always 100% pure, righteous and holy. The God who is also the one who always was and always will be. The God who is the one who created all that is and ever will be. The God who never changes. The God who did not work his way into Godhood but always was and will be true God worthy of our complete worship and awe. These are two completely opposing views of what and who God is at his very essence. Both cannot at the same time be correct. Logically speaking both can be wrong but both cannot be correct. It is up to the individual to seek and find the truth. Trying to make all views of who God is correct no matter how diametrically opposed those views are does not serve truth. Who God is and our relationship to him is the question at stake. Also who we serve while on this earth and where we will spend eternity is at stake. It is imperative that we find out the truth. The best place to start is by seeking him with all of your heart. If you truly do this you will find him.

[restornu]

I am a convert and thank God I was a seeker for the God I read in Bible, which the world was denying scripture that did not fit into it debates/analytical!

When I was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ I found the missing pieces that the scripture refer too but seem silent to complete picture!

Eph.4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The work of the ministry is to do the work of the Lord on the earth - to represent the Lord among the people, preach the gospel, and administer the ordinances thereof. The chosen servants and appointed officers in the Church of Jesus Christ are put on earth by him to conduct the work necessary for the salvation of mankind.

A minister “called of God, as was Aaron” (Heb. 5: 4), and endowed with the holy priesthood, represents the Lord when he is performing his official duties, and is the Lord’s agent. Therefore, what he does “according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business” (D&C 64: 29).

The Lord has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, high priests, seventies, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, deacons, helps and governments “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (the Church), until all have reached the spiritual stature of Christ, the whole body being “fitly joined together” by that which every part supplieth.

See Eph. 4: 11-16; 1 Cor. 12: 12-28; D&C 20; D&C 107. Other references are Acts 11: 30; Acts 14: 23; Acts 15: 6; Acts 16: 4; Acts 20: 17, 28; Acts 21: 18; Philip. 1: 1; 1 Tim. 3: 8-12; James 5: 14.

The scriptures testify to a God who has a body of Flesh and Bones.

GS Body
The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, Gen. 2: 7 (Moses 3: 7). Handle me and see, for a spirit has not flesh and bones, Luke 24: 39. I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, 1 Cor. 9: 27.

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body, 1 Cor. 15: 44. The body without the spirit is dead, James 2: 26. The mortal body will be raised as an immortal body, Alma 11: 43-45.

Every part of the body shall be restored, Alma 41: 2. Jesus showed his resurrected body to the Nephites, 3 Ne. 10: 18-19; 11: 13-15.

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also, D&C 130: 22. God created male and female in the image of his own body, Moses 6: 9 (Gen. 9: 6).

The Scriptures testify to the mystery of God

1 Tim 3
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

John 5
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

I had such joy when I found the Lord Church to me so much of the plain and precious truths have been restored in this last dispensation!

[csvset]

Man charged in Mormon shootings
By CINDY CLAYTON , The Virginian-Pilot
© January 5, 2006
Last updated: 5:56 AM

TalkNet:
Post condolences and reactions

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Background Coverage:
Two Mormons shot, one killed, during mission

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Joshua Heidbrink, 19, is expected to fly home to Greeley, Colo., with his parents to recover from his injuries.

Winslow Young looks at family photos and reminisces about his grandson. RYAN GALBRAITH/THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

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Related: A sorrow felt worldwide

Web link: Coverage by The Salt Lake Tribune

CHESAPEAKE -- Police charged a 19-year-old Chesapeake man late Wednesday with the murder of one Mormon missionary and the malicious wounding of another.

James R. Boughton, 19, was arrested shortly before midnight at his home in the 3100 block of Sir Meliot Drive.

Boughton was charged with first-degee murder, malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding and three counts of using a gun during the commission of a felony.

He is being held without bond in the Chesapeake jail.

No other details of the arrest were immediately available.

Earlier Wednesday, investigators recovered a gun they believe was used in the shootings and announced they had identified “persons possibly involved,” according to a statement released by Christina Golden, police spokeswoman.

Morgan W. Young, 21, was shot to death and Joshua D. Heidbrink, 19, was injured as they went door to door on Elkhart Street Monday. A steady flow of Crime Line tips and the cooperation of residents near the site of the shooting have helped the investigation, Golden said.

Investigators believe the missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have been shot because they witnessed a crime, but they released no other details.

Heidbrink’s brother, Scott, said Tuesday that Joshua Heidbrink and Young heard shots just before a man ran up to them and started firing. The gunman fled, and Heidbrink, who was shot first, ran to a nursing home for help.

Young died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. His body is expected to be released by the medical examiner’s office this week and will be flown back to his home in Bountiful, Utah, his grandfather, Winslow Young, said Wednesday.

The church was working with the family on funeral arrangements, Winslow Young said, and the service probably will take place next week.

Heidbrink was expected to fly home to Greeley, Colo., with his parents to recover from his injuries, his brother said.

He had been a missionary for two months.

Heidbrink’s parents declined interviews Wednesday and a church spokeswoman could not be reached for comment.

Morgan Young was nearing the end of his two-year mission for the church and was expected to return home in March. He had planned to attend Brigham Young University to study computers. His death was Chesapeake’s first homicide of the year.

In a statement released Tuesday, the church assured its members that it “will continue to make every effort to safeguard the health and safety of missionaries throughout the world.”

“And of course, the church support is just phenomenal,” Winslow Young said. “It’s a very close-knit culture and extremely supportive.”

Young said he has heard from strangers and friends across the country.

“People I haven’t had contact with for years have contacted us,” he said.

The family, Winslow Young said, wants Hampton Roads residents to know family members aren’t bitter about their loss.

“People have been most generous and most sympathetic. I’m sure that they feel terrible that this happened.’’

Reach Cindy Clayton at (757) 222-5201 or cindy.clayton@pilotonline.com

[Quester]

When I was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ I found the missing pieces that the scripture refer too but seem silent to complete picture!

Restornu ... I have been a christian for almost 40 years.

I've read all of the scriptures of the Bible and have taught in my church's Sunday School/Bible Study for 25 years.

It is true ... the Bible scriptures will not answer every question you have.

But you have to consider ...

God is our Father.

There are some questions which we don't need to know the answers to.

There are some questions which we wouldn't understand the answers to.

But ... God is faithful ... and everything we need to know ... can be found and understood from the pages of the Bible.

If it's not there ... we don't need to know it.

Just like our parents didn't answer all of our questions, ... but who would always tell us what we need to know.

This is where our faith comes in ... we trust God that He has told us everything we need to know.

The truths of christian belief have been available since the time of Jesus Christ.

Since that time, many have come, saying that they have truth to add to the truth that Jesus Christ brought.

But to believe the claims of these ... one must believe that Jesus Christ did not bring all necessary truth with Hm when He came.

As I mentioned in my first post on this thread ... the teachings that Joseph Smith brought are additions to ... and, in some cases, ... conflict with the truth that Jesus Christ brought.

I listened to just some of the presentations you suggested.

In just 10 minutes of listening, ... I heard many beliefs that are contrary to christian belief.

For instance, Matthews (the presenter) talks about the Heavenly Mother.

But Jesus never mentions anything about a heavenly mother.

Mormons also believe that marriage is eternal.

But Jesus said that there is no marriage in heaven.

Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

32 Last of all the woman died also. 33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

The chrisitian churches of Joseph Smith's days recognized that Joseph Smith's teachings were not the same as those of christianity ... and, so, they refused to allow his teachings to become a part of christian teaching.

In response to this ... Joseph Smith went on to form his own organization and following.

There is not doubt ... Restornu ... that Mormon belief and true Christian belief are different.

Mormonism claims to answer many questions that Christianity doesn't answer ... but the real question is whether God really wants for us to have the answers to these questions.

I would suggest to you, Restornu, ... that you would stick to the truth that Jesus brought with Him when He came 2000 years ago, and trust that it is enough.

What Joseph Smith brought (1800+ years later) ... is definitely questionable ... and I would keep those teachings at arms length.

[colorcountry]

Bingo....There you are folks! A true believer!

[Bellflower]

All the scriptures you wrote do not one particle of good if you are worshiping a wrong God. It is not disputed that Jesus Christ The Son of God came in the flesh. Christ did this so that He would live the perfect life and in our place die for us. He paid the price of our sins when He died on the cross in our stead. Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh. Only God could do the work of our salvation. Jesus Christ was always absolutely perfect and sinless. As God he did not work His way into perfection. As God-man He matured as all men do from a baby into an adult. Again the problem is that the Jesus you worship is another Christ than the one of the Holy Bible. The god you worship is another god than the God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit of the Holy Bible. The true God is the only God. He Himself said beside Him there is none other. He is the creator of ALL things. He always existed as the only God of all of existence. He never was a man who became a God. He said I am that I am. He is the great I Am. Not a scripture or facsimile of a scripture that you wrote addresses these facts. I know when Mormons try to proselytize me they try to get me to pray with them a prayer about finding truth and God. The problem is that they are not part of the LORD because they do not really know Him. When they "pray" with someone it is the with the wrong spirit and that spirit is the spirit that comes through their prayer that they pray with you. You may feel something at that point but what you are feeling is not the Holy Spirit but rather a false spirit that imitates The Spirit of God. This is all done unwittingly. The missionaries believe that they have the right spirit and are passing it along. They also have been duped. They have fallen for a false God and a false Christ. Do you not know in your heart that the God of all of creation is the only God and that He is and always has been the only God, 100% God and 100% holy, pure and righteous? He is the only true God and totally worthy of our complete adoration and worship. We cannot ever be God. We must and can worship Him with all of our heart but we will never be God. The thing about Mormon doctrine is it elevates the ego rather than the LORD. This draws people into it because it makes them believe that they can become a God. It is the same as the New Age beliefs packaged a little differently. It tells you that you can become a god or even The God of your own universe. It also gives you an office in the Church that elevates the ego and makes you feel very important. This is how it draws you in. It works on the ego. It makes you feel that you have an important role in your own salvation. You yourself can work your way into heaven. The Bible teaches that you can only be saved by grace. It is Jesus Christ who did the work of saving us when He went to the cross and died to pay the price of our sins. All that we can do is humbly except Christ and the work that He did for us by living a perfect, sinless life and becoming the sacrificial spotless lamb when He died in our place on the cross. The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but hath everlasting life. That is all we can do is believe on Him. This alone saves us eternally, not all the good works of the whole world. We are sinners unable to save ourselves, only Christ can save us. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is that simple. Add anything to it and you have works. We are not justified by works. But you must believe on the true and living Christ. He said that there would be many false Christs. The Mormon "Christ" is a false Christ, not The Christ of The Holy Bible. Put aside all indoctrination and get away to a quiet place. Pray to the God of ALL creation for understanding and read The Holy Bible. Your eternal life depends on it.

[acad1228]

"In Carthage, they used bullets to kill a prophet."

"They" means other Mormons.

Okay. I've stayed out of this one, but now I have to jump in.

"They" were Baptists who were trying to silence Smith. I know. I'm a Baptist and I've researched this. My Father-In-Law was a priest in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

That having been said, while I disagree with a lot of the things found in The Book Of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price, this has no bearing on the type of people one finds in the LDS or RLDS churches. These are the kindest, most loving people I have ever met.

Regardless of their faith, it's sad that these two young men were gunned down. Prayers go out to Joshua Heidbrink and his family, as well as the family of Morgan Winslow Young, the missionary who was killed.

Hmmm..... His name was Young, and he was from Salt Lake City. I can't help but wonder if he was a direct descendant.

[colorcountry]

this has no bearing on the type of people one finds in the LDS or RLDS churches. These are the kindest, most loving people I have ever met.

As with any group you'll find Mormons who are not 'kind and loving.' It is dangerous when we assume a human quality to a group of people....It leaves us open to deception. That would be like saying Republicans are the kindest most loving people - some Republicans are lying, deceitful, con-artist. The same can also be said of Mormons...watch out for those kind!

[colorcountry]

Here is a follow-up to my following post:

Utah has a population of 1.7 million people, 68% of which are or claim to be Mormon (conservative estimate). Ninety-five percent (95%) of the members of
the state legislature claim to be Mormon. (Las Vegas Review Journal, 3/6/88
p. 6c)

Utah has a bankruptcy rate 3 times higher than the national average.(Deseret News, 4/3/88, p.A5 also The Salt Lake Tribune 7/19/90, Sec.B p.3)

Utah has a home foreclosure rate 4 times higher than the national average -
4.35% compared to 1.03 percent. (Deseret News, 3/24 & 25/87)

Child murder rate in Utah is 5 times higher than the national average. (The
Denver Post, Empire Magazine, 11/21/82, p.30)

The incidence of sexual child abuse in Utah is 33% higher than national
average. (National Association for the Protection of Children, ibid.)

According to a newspaper article in Utah "Sexual harassment in Utah is high for its population when compared to other states." (Vernal Express, Nov. 13, 1991)

Teen suicide rate in Utah is 3.5% higher than national average, second to that of Minnesota. (ibid)

The elderly (age 75+) suicide rate for the nation is 19.2 per 100,000. For Utah it is 57 per 100,000 which is surpassed only by that of Nevada.
(Deseret News, 12/29-30/86, p.2B)

One third (1/3rd) of all Mormon marriages end in divorce. (Latter Day Sentinel, 3/5/88, p.24)

Twenty percent (20%) of Mormon women marry non-
Mormon men. Together, these two figures represent 50% of all Mormonn marriages. This is in spite of the fact that Mormon doctrine states that "temple marriage is essential to your salvation." (Deseret News, 4/13/88,
p.A7)

Salt Lake County's divorce rate is 50% higher than the national average.
(The Salt Lake Tribune, Jan 11, 1990, Sect. E, p.1, see also Provo Daily Hearld, 5/25/94).

The increase in martial instability among Mormons is higher than for most other religious groups (Dialogue, Fall 1992, p. 26-27 - note, this is a Mormon publication)

70% of Salt Lake County's high school seniors and 35% of the 5th and 6th graders have used alcohol, and 4% of the 5th and 6th graders have used heroin and cocaine. (The Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 21, 1990, p.B9)

400% increase in job related accidents has been directly attributed to the use of illegal drugs among Utah's citizens. (Ibid)

According to the chief of police in Salt Lake City, there are 400 locations in Salt Lake County alone where illegal drugs are sold openly. (Ibid)

The American Medical Association reported in 1986 that Utah ranked 3rd in the nation in the use of Amphetamines and jumped to 2nd place in 1988. (Salt Lake Tribune, 8/31/89, p.B1)

The children of Utah are given more of the drug Ritalin than are those of any other state. "Utah uses more Ritalin per capita than any place on Earth." (The Denver Post wire service, 8/88, The Spotlight, 3/6/89)

50% of all births in Utah are to teenage girls. 7 out of 10 of these are illegitimate. (Dallas Morning News, 7/26/83, Salt Lake Tribune, 11/20/81, p.B9, Ogden Standard Examiner, 12/15/79)

Coed pregnancy rate at BYU is among the highest of major Colleges and Universities in the U.S. (ibid)
"...the increase in premarital sex has been greater among Mormon women than any other religious group." (Provo Hearld, 8/9/91, p.B3)

Utah's prison population increased by 21.3% in 1989; whereas, the national average was 12.1%. Utah now ranks fourth in the nation in prison population increase. (Provo Herald, May 24, 1990)

68% of all Mormon young people do NOT go out on the mission field. LDS Church News, 5/10/87, p.3)

[atlibrary]

Murder weapon found Wednesday night. Nineteen year old Chesapeake resident, James R. Boughton, arrested shortly before midnight.

[JRochelle]

So, are you also dhutto? Its interestng how many new people sign up just to post about mormonism and defend it. Why can't you just be yourself?

[Old Mountain man]

Too bad you don't believe His modern day revelations - you would be pleasantly surprised at the wonderful nature of God, The Savior and the Holy Ghost.

Of course, your religion does not allow you to receive these revelations so you shut yourself off from God.

[JRochelle]

Hey I could be wrong. Not everything you read on the web is true.:) Was anyone ever convicted of his murder?

Yes he could be a direct decendant of Brigham Young. Young did have dozens of children.

[Old Mountain man]

And according to OMM News Service 1/5/06 most of the so-called Christian world would slam the door on Jesus if he walked up on the front porch and knocked.

Remember, these things ye do to the least of them ye also do unto me.

Keep on doing what you are doing. You won't have to answer to me in the end.