In a startling incident, Grace Pauline Kelley, the daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd, has been accused of stealing and crashing a church van in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The daughter of Wynonna Judd is facing multiple charges after stealing a church van and expressing bizarre claims during her arrest, The Christian Post reported.
The theft occurred on October 27, when Grace Kelley, 28, illegally took possession of a van and trailer from Ground Zero Church. The vehicles belonged to Kent Hart, the lead pastor, and were parked outside his residence. Hart, who was at home during the incident, saw the vehicle driving away while talking to his daughter.
Acting quickly, Pastor Hart pursued the van and confronted Kelley. He recognized her distinctive buzz cut and facial tattoo, which helped in identifying her amidst the confusion.
Kelley, who has prior convictions and pending cases in several states, now faces new legal challenges. She has been charged with seven counts, including three felonies for grand larceny linked to this incident. Her criminal record includes charges ranging from methamphetamine production to aggravated assault across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.
During her arrest, Kelley displayed erratic behavior. Albemarle police officer Corey Legg noted that she professed to have made a pact with the devil. Concerned for her health, Legg alerted jail staff to possible substance intake.
Kelley's body scan at the detention center revealed heroin presence, prompting her immediate transfer to the University of Virginia Medical Center for a full evaluation.
Pastor Hart and his congregation have dealt with the situation with remarkable grace. Despite the theft and related damages, Hart expressed forgiveness and cited biblical teachings to support his stance. The congregation held a special prayer service for Kelley, turning off their livestream to focus on spiritual support for her and her family.
"I’m like, ‘You stole my van, get out of my van,’" recounted Hart, describing his immediate reaction upon seeing Kelley in his vehicle. He further added, "She didn’t seem like she was in her right mind at all," reflecting on her disturbed state during the incident.
In his reflections shared with the community, Hart emphasized the importance of compassion and redemption. "If the opportunity arises to be a part of her redemptive process, we would love to be a part of it in whatever way we can," he stated, underscoring the church's commitment to Kelley's recovery and reformation.
Compounding the physical chase and emotional strain, the church is facing financial challenges due to the theft. The stolen van and trailer have been declared total losses, prompting the congregation to initiate a GoFundMe campaign. They aim to raise $30,000 to replace the essential items lost. Hart's plea for community help has garnered attention, highlighting the financial strain unexpected incidents like these place on small communities.
In this difficult time, the church's outlook remains hopeful yet practical. Hart quoted from the Book of Matthew, encouraging forgiveness and prayer for even those who wrong us. "We pray that Grace will face the God-given consequences for her actions and that these consequences will be a means of grace that aid in her recovery and redemption," Hart elaborated during a service.
The case of Grace Pauline Kelley continues to develop as legal proceedings unfold and the church community rallies to overcome the disruptions caused. The incident highlights complex issues surrounding crime, mental health, and community response, reminding us of the challenging balance between justice and compassion.
