A pastor identified as Tracey Sydnor from Brooklyn, New York, US has reportedly been stabbed to death by her son, leaving her church community in shock.
Tracey, 61, was the Head pastor at the Upper Room Baptist Church on Rockaway Ave. in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
She was murdered on Saturday, January 29, by her son, Kenji Francis, who allegedly stabbed her repeatedly at her residence in Brooklyn, Wyona St. near Livonia Ave. in New York.
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Terrence Reed, a friend of Sydnor, told the Daily News, “She was the glue that kept everything together,” “Not one bad thing can be said about her.”
According to the police, she was stabbed at least 15 times, including in her neck, ear and hands. Following the incident she was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, but she couldn’t make it.
Francis, 40 was taken into custody at their home. Charges against him were pending Sunday.
Francis, however has no prior arrests or history of mental illness.
“It seems like he just snapped,” a police source said.
A knife believed to be the murder weapon was recovered from a bedroom in the home, sources said.
Sydnor grew up attending the church before leading its choir. She was appointed as the head pastor of the congregation in November 2021.
“She was full of life and full of love, she loved singing and dancing and She was a sweet lady.” Reed said.
“We talked life stuff, church stuff, just everyday conversation,”
“She was an encourager, very supportive person.” she added
During the sermon on Sunday, January 30, at the Upper Room Baptist Church, Bishop J. Carl Henderson announced the loss of Sydnor to the congregation.
“God bless you and please my sister, please my brother continue to pray for the family, her children, her siblings and her extended family and our church family as a whole. Our church is suffering a loss.” Henderson said
