LDS Bishop Shot, Killed in Venezuela

9085
Venezuelan Bishop

Last Friday, March 20, Julio César González Paredes, 49, was shot and killed in his car while running errands with his wife and son.

Local sources report that at approximately 6:50 pm, a man on a motorcycle began firing at the car at close range. The shots instantly killed González. His wife Judith González and their 15-year-old son were also injured and taken to a local medical center for treatment.

González served as the Bishop of the Barinitas Ward in the Barinas Stake in Venezuela. He worked as a lawyer and was also the President of the Union of Construction of Barinas.

Members of Bishop González’ ward told LDS.net’s affiliate losmormones.org that he was “friendly and very special.” They also said the Church is taking care of the family during this difficult time.

Bishop González leaves behind his wife and five children. Friends and ward members say he was a great leader in the Church.

Whitney studied Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism at BYU. She also served as Miss Utah 2009 and spent her year promoting Children's Miracle Network, fundraising for anti-bullying/suicide prevention programs, and speaking to mutual groups.