Minister shot near elementary school

Tuesday, June 3rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Police are searching for the person who shot and killed Neaco Padillow outside an elementary school Tuesday afternoon. It's a case many people who live in the area find hard to believe.

Padillow was well know and respected in his community as the pastor of Zion Fellowship of Living Water Church in Turley. News on 6 anchor Craig Day files this report about the death of the popular minister:

Four hours after Neaco Padillow was killed, many people were still gathering at the site where it happened. They want to find out more about a crime they still can't believe.

Rev Don Griffin, Tulsa Minister "He was not only a good man. He was an outstanding preacher. Everybody around him loved him."

Padillow was in his car outside Burroughs elementary on Tuesday afternoon. He was picking up a neice from school, as he did routinely.

He was shot in the head and killed while he waited.

Investigators don't have a motive, or even much information to go on.

Greg Hawkins, Victims Brother "He has done more for the community than most people have done. He opened his doors to the homeless, the poor, he feeds the ones who are less fortunate, he gives."

Padillow was the pastor at Zion Fellowship Church. He was also an active businessman in North Tulsa.

Mark Staten, North Tulsa Resident "He made it happen, he was out here... just a good community person. He believed in North Tulsa."

His friends and relatives say Padillow was loved by many... which makes it hard to understand why someone would harm a man who has given so much to others.

Greg Hawkins, Victims Brother "When it gets to a point when they are shooting pastors, it's at a point when it is time for the community to cry out against violence and shootings. Something has to be done."

Rev Don Griffin, Tulsa Minister "We have to take heed. because it proves through what has happened today that no one is promised tomorrow."

Police hope a witness saw someone run or drive away from the area at the time.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 918-596-COPS. Callers can remain anonymous and could earn a cash reward.