Central Pastor Tony Spell defends attacking his neighbor, saying he had to ‘protect his sheep’

CENTRAL, La. — Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church was arrested Tuesday for allegedly beating his neighbor's 20-year-old son, but defended his actions Wednesday by comparing himself to a shepherd protecting his flock. Spell claimed the neighbor threatened to rape and kill his family, justifying his intervention as necessary protection. The neighbor's father disputed the account, saying his son was merely checking if grass was dry enough to mow and made no threats.