Pastor stabbed, set on fire by man she was ministering to at his home

A metro Atlanta church is mourning the loss of a pastor killed by a man she was reportedly trying to help.

The body of Marita Harrell, 57, was discovered last Wednesday when law enforcement responded to a homicide call near the 1600 block of Coffee Road, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.

Officers found Harrell dead at the scene.

The following day, police arrested 27-year-old Christopher Griggs, according to reports.

Investigators said that Griggs stabbed Harrell while she was ministering to him at his home.

According to warrants cited by a local CBS affiliate, Griggs stabbed Harrell with a large kitchen knife and set her on fire in his Atlanta home. Police say Griggs then left Harrell's body on the side of the road, where it was later discovered.

A search of the Dekalb County inmate database found Griggs was previously jailed for domestic violence and other charges.

Harrell served as the senior pastor at Connections at Metropolitan church, according to her bio on the church's website.

A statement from Connections at Metropolitan in response to Harrell's death reads: "On behalf of the congregation we would like to thank everyone for the outpour of love, support and prayers. All of your kind words are very much appreciated during this time. Your continued prayers are appreciated!"