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
17-year-old Taylor Ratterree shot and killed while trying to jump out of moving car in Dickson County
A 17-year-old girl was fatally shot Tuesday night in Dickson County, Tennessee, after attempting to escape from a vehicle driven by her former boyfriend, according to law enforcement authorities.
The victim, identified as Taylor Ratterree, had just completed her work shift around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16.
Taylor had recently ended her relationship with Hunter Jackson, 18, though the circumstances that led to the two being together later that evening remain under investigation.
Authorities say Jackson picked Taylor up from the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store in Dickson. While details of what transpired inside the vehicle have not been fully released, investigators believe a confrontation occurred during the drive.
As the vehicle approached a traffic signal on Henslee Drive, Taylor reportedly feared for her safety and attempted to exit the moving car from the passenger side.
During that attempt, police say Jackson fired a gun, striking her. Jackson then fled the scene, leaving Taylor critically injured on the roadway.
Officers with the Dickson Police Department were initially dispatched following reports of a reckless driver.
Upon arrival, they discovered Taylor lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound. She was transported to Skyline Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
Following an overnight search, law enforcement located Jackson at a residence in White Bluff, Tennessee, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Wednesday. He was taken into custody without incident.
Hunter Jackson has been charged with first-degree homicide and was booked into the Dickson County Jail. He is currently being held on a $3 million bond, according to jail records.
Family members and friends described Taylor as a kind, vibrant young woman with a bright future ahead of her.
She was known for her creativity and loved crocheting, often selling handmade bumblebee creations at her workplace.
Those close to her said she was enthusiastic about beginning college and had ambitious plans for her life.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the motive or the events leading up to the shooting.
The Dickson community has expressed an outpouring of grief and support for Taylor’s family as they mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon.