PRINCETON (WVVA) - The pastor of Monika and Doug Watkins says the outpouring of community support has been overwhelming as Monika recovers from injuries suffered in Monday night's shooting at the couple's home.
The Rev. James Palmer of Mount Zion Baptist Church says he has visited Monika multiple times since she was transported to a Roanoke hospital following Monday night's horrific events in which her husband, John Douglas Watkins, was shot and killed.
Monika is being treated after suffering a gunshot to the head and knife wounds to her neck. Palmer says she has undergone surgery, but the bullet is unable to be removed at this time.
Palmer had been a pastor to the couple for years -- marrying them at his church more than 11 years ago.
Despite the severity of her injures, Palmer says Monika is fighting and is expected to recover.
He says the church family -- and entire community -- have come together to show support.
"You can really sense this great sense of kinship and great sense of loss," Palmer said. "The entire community has really pitched in and offered any bit of support that they can."
The suspect in the shootings, Donald Adams of Bluefield, killed himself in his jail cell Wednesday -- a day after confessing to the crimes.
According to neighbors, Adams -- a former neighbor to the Watkins -- frequently visited the couple's home.
Funeral arrangements have not been set for Doug Watkins.
Monika Watkins
John Douglas Watkins
