Crime
First victim killed in Grand Blanc Mormon Church shooting identified as Craig Hayden
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – Family members have confirmed to Channel2 NOW that Craig Hayden was among the victims killed during Sunday’s mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
In a heartfelt message, local business owner Terry Green shared that his father-in-law, Craig Hayden, lost his life in the attack.
Green, who operates Billmeier Camera, a long-standing family-run business in the community, described Hayden as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
“My dear wife Julie is my number one helper, our bonus daughter Katelyn runs the photo lab, and our lifelong friend Miss Kelly helps with framing and the phones,” Green wrote.
“While my wife’s family was at church on Sunday, there was a shooting. My beloved father-in-law Craig Hayden was killed. He did not suffer and is at peace with Jesus in heaven. For this, we take solace. The rest of our family’s lives were spared. Others, sadly, were not so lucky.”
Green also acknowledged the difficult days ahead for his family and their business.
He noted that services at the store will be impacted as they grieve and make arrangements but asked for patience and continued community support. “We still have bills to pay, even when our hearts are broken,” Green said, adding that Miss Kelly would do her best to hold down operations.
Hayden’s death marks the first confirmed fatality from the attack, which authorities say left at least four others dead, including the gunman, and eight additional victims injured.
Police identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, a former Marine who rammed his truck into the church, opened fire with an assault rifle, and set the building ablaze before being killed in a shootout with officers.
The church, now considered a total loss, had been filled with hundreds of worshippers, including children, at the time of the attack.
Investigators continue to search the debris for additional victims.
As the community mourns, Green expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“Thank you, friends. I have received many messages expressing your love. It means so much. Hug your loved ones — tomorrow is never promised.”
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.