GRAND BLANC TWP, MI – A man injured one month ago in the shooting and fire at a Grand Blanc Township church is still recovering, but there are some encouraging developments.
It was on Sept. 28 when police said Thomas Jacob Sanford shot multiple people and set the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on fire off McCandlish Road in the Genesee County community.
Four people died from the injuries they suffered in the church incident.
Sanford, 40, of Burton was shot and killed by police in the parking lot of the church less than 10 minutes after the incident began, police have said.
The investigation was turned over to the FBI Detroit Field Office.
A reply to MLive on where the investigation stands read as follows:
Thank you for reaching out to the FBI Detroit Field Office – Office of Public Affairs. During the current lapse in appropriations, FBI operations are directed toward national security, violations of federal law, and essential public safety functions. Inquiries outside of these functions will be considered when the lapse in appropriations ends.
One of the people injured in the incident was Benjamin Phelps, for whom a GoFundMe campaign was set up to help with medical bills.
“Here’s a quick update for those who have asked. Benjamin remains in the ICU, and his abdomen is still open,” a post from Tuesday, Oct. 27, reads. “His recovery continues in small but meaningful steps, and we’re celebrating each one.
“Thanks to a tracheostomy, he’s now able to talk, which has been a huge milestone in his progress. He’s becoming more alert each day, though that also means he’s beginning to emotionally process everything he’s been through.”
Medical personnel from Henry Ford Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township previously said several of the victims have been released from the hospital.
The campaign for Phelps offered appreciation for the efforts.
“We’ve seen so many prayers answered along the way, and we can’t thank you enough for your continued love, prayers, and support,” the campaign reads.
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