GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — The tragedy at a Grand Blanc church has deepened as investigators confirmed the discovery of two more bodies inside the fire-damaged building, bringing the death toll to four worshippers, in addition to the gunman.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, Sept. 28, when police say Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, rammed his truck through the front doors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road. Sanford then opened fire on hundreds of congregants gathered for morning service.
Officers were dispatched at 10:25 a.m. and arrived within 30 seconds. A shootout followed, during which Sanford was killed by a Grand Blanc Township police officer and a Michigan DNR conservation officer.
Authorities believe Sanford also ignited the blaze that consumed the church by using an accelerant. The fire left behind extensive destruction, complicating recovery efforts.
In total, four victims lost their lives and eight others remain hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Several more are still unaccounted for as search teams continue combing through the wreckage.
The FBI has assumed control of the investigation, as the community reels from one of the deadliest acts of violence in the county’s history.
