GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities confirmed that the death toll has risen to four victims following a deadly shooting and fire at a Grand Blanc church on Sunday, Sept. 28. The gunman also died in the incident.
Police said Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, drove his truck through the front doors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4285 McCandlish Road, during a morning service attended by hundreds of worshippers. After crashing into the building, Sanford exited the vehicle and opened fire.
Officers received the first 911 call for help at 10:25 a.m. and arrived on scene within 30 seconds. Gunfire was exchanged, and Sanford was fatally shot during a confrontation with a Grand Blanc Township police officer and a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer.
Authorities believe Sanford used an accelerant to start a fire inside the church, which quickly engulfed the building. Fire crews and investigators have since found two additional bodies in the debris, bringing the number of deceased to four.
Eight other victims remain hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while several individuals are still unaccounted for. The FBI has taken over the investigation, which remains ongoing.