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.”
Crime
61-year-old Sharon killed by ex-boyfriend in Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium shooting, Craig Sipe charged with murder
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, has been charged with aggravated murder following a fatal shooting at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, according to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the fitness facility on 4th Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.
During the initial investigation, authorities determined that a 61-year-old woman had been shot and seriously injured.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries, police confirmed. Her name has not been officially released by authorities.
According to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect targeted one victim before fleeing the area. Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, although authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances that led to the violence.
Sipe, who is from Akron, later turned himself in to Cuyahoga Falls police. He was taken into custody and transported to the Summit County Jail.
Authorities have charged Sipe with one count of aggravated murder in connection with the woman’s death. He was expected to be arraigned on Monday, October 19, according to the information released about the case.
The charge represents an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
The Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium was closed following the shooting and was scheduled to remain closed through Monday, October 19, 2026, as the investigation continued.
Police have not released additional information about the events leading up to the shooting or the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Investigators said further details would be shared as they become available and when appropriate.
The City of Cuyahoga Falls also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones as they cope with the loss.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s identity, and additional details about the case remain limited.
The investigation is ongoing as officials work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.