The leaked messages showed Mr Gething claiming he would delete all correspondence from an iMessage group of Welsh ministers.
The force also said it believed the suspect was known to the victim.There had been no prior contact between the police and the victim or suspect, and it is not clear if the gun was legally owned.
Rev Tim Edwards, vicar of St Katherine's church in Knockholt, toldhow he heard about the shooting."I had a text message from one of my church wardens," he said, "and my immediate reaction was 'no, that must be a misunderstanding, that doesn't make sense.'
"As I've spoken to people, that sort of feeling has been replicated."He added: "There is a sense of shock, that is the word that every single person I have spoken to has used.
"It just doesn't feel real, this sort of thing doesn't happen. It's the sort of thing you see on television, it's not the sort of thing you see here in your own village."
He added the community was "doing what village communities do" by supporting each other, "pulling together and looking after one another".She believes if the visits decrease, the animals would suffer, adding: "We're in a situation, where if we can't provide a service 24/7, it's going to have a real negative impact on animal health and welfare.
"Long term, if it carries on as now, then I don't think it is sustainable.I think the consequence on the health and welfare of animals could be absolutely huge."
She believes it is vital enough staff are found to keep the service 24/7 for the agricultural sector.Ffion Rees, who farms at Blaenffynnon, agrees, saying: "We don't want to see animals in pain.