New Hampshire Youth Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing Children Was Fired By His Church. He Killed Himself 2 Days Later

A New Hampshire youth pastor killed himself two days after he was fired amidst a police investigation into "credible allegations" of child sexual abuse against him, according to members of his church.

Jarrett Booker, 37, who served as pastor of Worship and Youth Ministry at Nashua Baptist Church for nearly a decade, took his own life on Nov. 27 "refusing to face the consequences of his actions," church elders and deacons said in a lengthy statement on the congregation's website last week.

"Nashua Baptist Church unequivocally condemns all forms of abuse. It is evil and our God hates it," the church leaders said. "We are committed to transparency and to supporting the healing process for victims.

"We have been, and will continue to, fully cooperate with law enforcement in this investigation and had encouraged Jarrett to do the same."

A Facebook profile for Booker says he was previously the youth pastor at Childrey Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia.

A request for comment was not immediately returned from that church to The Messenger on Tuesday.

Officials at Nashua Baptist Church said that on Nov. 22, they became aware that Booker was the subject of a "criminal investigation concerning credible allegations of sexual abuse against minors."

Church leaders opened an internal review "which revealed further evidence of misconduct," and Booker was fired on Nov. 25, the statement said.

To preserve the integrity of the police probe, congregants were initially only told on Nov. 26 that Booker was the subject of an investigation and that the church had decided to fire him, officials said.

Booker died from suicide the next day, according to the church.

"This event has added immeasurably to the complexity and pain of the situation," the church officials said, adding that congregants were later informed of the allegations against Booker on Nov. 29, after his death.

Spokesmen for police departments in both Nashua and neighboring Hollis confirmed to The Messenger on Tuesday that Booker was under investigation for allegations of child sex assault at the time of his death, but said they were unable to comment further.

In his Facebook profile, Booker described himself as "just an unfaithful and unholy sinner changed by a faithful and Holy God."

An obituary for Booker says he was a Nashua resident and is survived by a wife and son.

"Countless family and friends mourn in New Hampshire and Virginia," the obituary reads.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, according to the obituary.

Nashua Baptist Church has encouraged congregants to contact Nashua and Hollis police if they have any relevant information to the investigations and to contact church leadership if they feel comfortable doing so.

"Our hearts are heavy for the victims, Jarrett's family and our congregation, many of whom knew and respected him for years," the statement said.

"We are dedicated to supporting everyone affected by Jarrett's inexcusable actions, both within our church and beyond. We ask for your prayers as we navigate this devastating situation."