Crime
Third victim of Grand Blanc LDS church shooting identified as Pat Howard
Authorities have identified Pat Howard as the third victim killed in Sunday’s mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
Howard’s family described him as a devoted husband, uncle, and friend whose life was rooted in kindness, curiosity, and family bonds.
“Uncle Pat was so many things. He was smart, kind, funny, serious, and endlessly curious. He loved his family deeply,” relatives wrote in a tribute. “To spend your life surrounded by the love and laughter of Aunt Kitty and all the Howard kids—that’s a life well spent.”
Loved ones recalled his presence at family gatherings, where his bright eyes, raised brows, and knowing smile often signaled either a witty remark or a perfectly timed piece of knowledge.
“In my mind, I see him mid-conversation,” one family member shared. “Whatever it was, I wanted to be around that table.”
In the wake of his sudden loss, relatives have launched a fundraiser to support Howard’s wife, Kitty, with funeral and burial expenses.
Family members said the community’s support—whether through donations or simple acts of kindness—would honor Howard’s memory. “If you can’t afford to donate, do something nice for your neighbor, tell someone you love them, and be the person you want your neighbor to be,” they wrote.
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove his pickup truck into the front entrance of the church during services before opening fire on congregants with an assault rifle.
He then set the building on fire, causing a massive blaze that ultimately led to the roof’s collapse.
At least four victims were killed and eight others injured. Sanford himself was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.
The FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the motive.
Sanford, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 2004 to 2008 and deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, had previously been arrested for burglary and operating while intoxicated.
Military records and family social media accounts describe him as a mechanic, vehicle recovery operator, husband, father, and outdoorsman.
Authorities have confirmed that the church building is a total loss. Emergency crews and search-and-rescue teams continue to examine the debris for additional victims.
This attack marks the second mass shooting in less than 24 hours involving Iraq War veterans.
Just hours earlier in North Carolina, another Marine veteran opened fire at a Southport bar, killing three and wounding eight.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.