Officer may have shot man who killed wife

Jen Lawson

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002 | 9:39 a.m.

An off-duty police officer might have shot a man who had just killed his estranged wife as she was walking into church on Sunday.

The body of Donald Robinson, 57, had several gunshot wounds, which is not consistent with suicide. authorities said this morning.

Denise Williams-Robinson, 50, was shot by her estranged husband outside the First Church of Religious Science, 1420 E. Harmon Ave., where she attended religious services every week.

An off-duty Metro Police officer, Patryke Thomas, who lives near the church, heard the gunshots and saw Robinson as he fled the scene in his car. When Robinson raised a handgun, Thomas fired several times at him, police said.

Robinson continued driving and was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds a short time later in his car in a parking lot at 2340 E. Tropicana Ave.

According to Metro's policies regarding officer-involved shootings, Thomas has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.

The Rev. Doug Fogelsong of the First Church of Religious Science had just begun conducting Sunday morning services when he heard gunshots.

About 80 people were in the sanctuary at the time. Some ran to the windows, but Fogelsong said he asked everyone to return to their seats and pray.

A memorial service will be held for Williams-Robinson 6:30 p.m. Friday at the church.