SAINT PAUL, Minn. — A Saint Paul pastor said Sunday the light still shines from RayVell Carter, the 41-year-old Roseville man gunned down Wednesday night outside St. Alban’s Church.
Rev. William Land was Carter’s uncle.
“RayVell died the way he lived, for the Lord and with his bible,” Land told his congregation.
Carter, 41, was leaving a St. Alban’s bible study when he was fatally shot in front of his daughter.
“Whoever played a role in the murder of RaVell Carter, I pray that they repent of their sins,” the pastor said.
Land acknowledged mistakes made by his nephew, some of which resulted in time spent behind bars.
Still, the pastor said Carter had been a changed man since his last incarceration, holding a steady job and regularly attending church.
“It was so obvious, all he talked about was God,” Land said.
In fact, Carter had planned to shoot a gospel rap music video at the church on Sunday.
A photo was taken of Carter practicing at the church, two hours before he was killed.
“When I look at this photo,” Land said, “It makes my heart rejoice, because I know his commitment to the Lord was genuine.”
Police have yet to make an arrest.
Land pleaded that there be no retaliation for his nephew's murder.
The pastor also acknowledged the support church members have felt from the community.
Carter’s aunt, Valerie Land, said the family will trust in God’s plan. “Maybe someone tried to take his voice, but they couldn’t dim his light,” Valerie Land said.