South Memphis pastor recovering from shooting focused on ‘redemption’
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis pastor who survived an attack outside of his South Memphis church is sharing the emotional and physical toll of his journey.
Pastor Clemmie Livingston was shot in the face earlier this year outside of New Zionfield Baptist Church as thieves stole a vehicle outside of the church.
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Four months after the shooting, the 71-year-old pastor is still grappling with the devastating aftermath. One of his toughest challenges is eating. The injury has made mealtime a struggle, and he’s lost significant weight.
“When I get ready to drink, I have to use a straw because getting this cup to go inside my brace isn’t the easiest thing,” Livingston said. “I’m down from 175-162. I’m not able to eat like I normally do. Everything has to be blended in a blender.”
Livingston is desperate to move past the trauma, eager to finally find some peace and true healing tired of being unable to sleep in his own bed.
“I have to sleep in the lounge chair, the recliner, or the couch,” he said. “I normally used to sleep on this side. Now I have to teach myself to sleep on my left side.”
R’Shunio Greer, 18, was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting, but now most of the charges against him have been dropped.
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Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy declined an on-camera interview but he did tell us that some of the charges against Greer have been dropped because “witnesses didn’t cooperate.” Livingston said that’s just not true.
“I just want to say witnesses were there, we were subpoenaed. I don’t know much about the law but I think if witnesses don’t show up after being subpoenaed we would have gotten in trouble, but we were subpoenaed,” he said.
Although A judge dismissed some charges, the DA’s office is pushing forward with a grand jury to pursue indictments. Meanwhile, Livingston is focused on redemption, hoping the young perpetrators will find a positive path forward, rather than simply being locked up.
“I believe strongly in rehabilitation. I’m certain they will have to do some time but during the course of time, I hope some type of program is set up so they can be rehabilitated,” Livingston said. “I’ve been affected by the gunshot nevertheless I’m not angry. I’m not angry. I just hate to see a 19-year-old with a 30-year sentence.”
Livingston says he’ll be in attendance Saturday at New Zionfield Baptist Church, but he doesn’t plan on preaching. He says he doesn’t want to get in the way of the healing process.
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