Crime
Fourth victim of Grand Blanc LDS church shooting identified as Thelma Armstrong
Grand Blanc Township, MI – Authorities have identified Thelma Armstrong as one of the four victims killed in Sunday’s mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
Armstrong, originally from Klerksdorp, South Africa, was widely known in her hometown as a respected general manager at Foodzone before immigrating to the United States in 2019.
Friends and family describe her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.
She had been attending worship services on Sunday morning with her daughter, family, and other congregants when the devastating attack unfolded.
At approximately 10:25 a.m., authorities say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove his pickup truck into the front entrance of the church before opening fire on congregants with an assault-style rifle.
He later set the building ablaze, triggering a massive fire that caused the roof to collapse.
In total, four people were killed and eight others injured. Emergency crews confirmed that the church building is a total loss.
Search-and-rescue teams continue to work through the debris to ensure no additional victims remain unaccounted for.
Sanford was killed during an exchange of gunfire with responding officers.
The FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the case, including Sanford’s motives.
Sanford, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Records describe him as a mechanic and vehicle recovery operator. He was also known as a husband, father, and outdoorsman. Sanford had prior arrests for burglary and operating while intoxicated.
Armstrong’s family in the U.S. and South Africa are devastated by the loss. They described her as a woman of strength, love, and faith. She leaves behind her children and grandchildren, who are now mourning the irreplaceable absence of their beloved matriarch.
Her family has launched an appeal for support to help with funeral and memorial expenses, expressing gratitude for the compassion shown during this tragedy.
This attack comes less than 24 hours after another mass shooting in Southport, North Carolina, where a Marine veteran opened fire at a bar, killing three people and injuring eight others.
Both incidents involved Iraq War veterans, raising further questions as federal authorities review possible connections and wider implications.
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.