New details released about fatal shooting outside West Fargo church

WEST FARGO, ND (Valley News Live) – New information from police sheds light on the background to the fatal shooting outside a West Fargo church over the weekend.

Police were called to the parking lot of the church in Prairie Heights just before 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, for a report of an assault and shots fired.

Upon their arrival, officers were informed that an argument had broken out between three people who did not know each other.

Investigators say Austin Strom was attempting to enter the church when he was stopped by 66-year-old Kent Hodges. Hodges and Strom are both members of the church.

Police say Strom became angry and physically attacked Hodges. They say Donald Baron II, 53, saw this and tried to intervene.

Strom approached Baron, who then fired a single shot from his personal weapon, police said.

Strom was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Hodges, who initially confronted Strom, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Police say the investigation is still ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.

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