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16-Year-Old Girl Accused Of Stabbing Minister, 79, To Death

APPLE VALLEY (AP) -- A 16-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of fatally stabbing a 79-year-old man who was an associate minister of a Southern California church, officials said Monday.

Deputies found the man dead with multiple stab wounds Saturday at his apartment in the Mojave Desert town of Apple Valley, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

The victim and the suspect knew each other, officials said without naming a possible motive. Investigators believe the two were arguing and the girl attacked the man before taking off with his car.

She was arrested Sunday and taken to juvenile hall.

The victim was the Rev. Willie Hunter, an associate minister at the United in Christ Baptist Church of Apple Valley, according to parishioners and church officials.

"His death has really shocked our church," Hunter's friend Frank Kelly told the Daily Press newspaper. "He was a dear brother, and he will be missed."

Kelly said Hunter was unmarried and "very devoted to the Lord," his church family and community.

The suspect, who was not named, could face a murder charge.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.

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