Community adjusting to new normal one month after deadly Texas church shooting

26 killed in deadliest mass shooting in state history

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas – It's been one month since the majority of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs congregation was killed or hurt in a mass shooting.

Sutherland Springs church shooting: One month later

David Casillas, who lives down the road from the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, says he remembers that morning of Nov. 5.

"It was just heartbreaking," said Casillas. "It was stunning. It was shocking. It was unbelievable. I couldn't believe that this happened and I still can't believe it."

Casillas was one of the first to see what had happened. He and his family had just returned home from their church in Floresville.

Now, he says every time he passes through, it's a constant reminder and it's still difficult for him.

Remembering the victims

"This was our church too," Casillas said. "I actually proposed to my wife in this church. This church means a lot to us and my heart goes out to all the families, to the whole community."

Although it was difficult, Casillas returned on Tuesday to the memorial.

"It's the same," he said. "It's just still. It's quiet. I don't know, something about the way it looks in there. It's kind of peaceful."


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.