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.”
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.