Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Multiple People Dead: Man Opens Fire at a Michigan Church Then Sets It Ablaze | Crime Alert 6AM 09.29.25
Date: September 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Crime Alert episode, Nancy Grace covers recent shocking incidents of mass violence in the United States. The episode focuses on a tragic mass shooting and arson at a Michigan church, also following up with a deadly boat shooting in North Carolina and an unresolved Texas missing persons case. Nancy and her correspondents discuss facts, potential motives, and appeal to the public for information on these cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Michigan Church Mass Shooting and Arson [00:00–03:16]

Breaking News & Incident Details

• Nicole Parton reports that Thomas Jacob Sanford, age 40, from Burton, Michigan, drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blank, a suburb of Flint, during a news conference at approximately 10:25 a.m. Sunday.

  • He exited the vehicle and opened fire with an assault rifle, resulting in four fatalities and eight injuries (one critical, seven stable).
  • Sanford then set the church ablaze using gasoline.

• Police Chief William Renee confirms:

  "There is a couple additional bodies that we've discovered in the church, so that makes our total victim count up to four victims. As I said before, there has already been the suspect who is deceased as well. So we have five deceased persons from this tragic incident." [01:12]

• Sanford was killed in a gunfight with police outside the church.

Investigation & Suspect Background

• FBI has taken over the investigation. Agent Reuben Coleman characterizes the attack as “an act of targeted violence” but offers no details on Sanford's motive.

• The church, attended by several hundred people at the time, is a total loss due to the fire.

• Sanford was known locally as "Jake."

• Reports suggest a military background: possible U.S. Marine veteran, served in Japan and Iraq, enjoyed hunting and fishing; social media shows many images of him outdoors with firearms (evidence from family Facebook posts and news articles).

• Nicole Parton summarizes:

  “Police say the motive behind this tragic incident has yet to be uncovered. The investigation is ongoing.” [03:16]

2. North Carolina Waterfront Bar Shooting [05:54–07:21]

• Nicole Parton introduces a second mass shooting in North Carolina:
  • At least 3 dead, 8 wounded at the American Fish Company waterfront bar in Southport.
  • A gunman arrived by boat, opened fire, and fled towards Oak Island.
  • Suspect, Nigel Max Edge, was apprehended by the Coast Guard loading his boat.
  • Charges: three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, five counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Motive remains unclear.
• Police urged citizens to stay indoors and remain vigilant during and after the incident.

3. Texas Missing Persons Update — Donna Cloud [07:21–08:50]

• Nancy Grace spotlights the case of Donna Cloud, a 19-year-old missing for eight years.
  • Lived with father in Splendora, TX; relationship was strained.
  • Vanished after father ordered her to leave following an argument.
  • Initial false report: left on a blind date; later revealed she was picked up by two men.
  • Last seen active online two days later; phone pinged in Houston's Westchase neighborhood.
  • Description: 5'1", 110 lbs, brown hair/eyes, diamond tattoo on right ring finger, “Faith” on right forearm.
  • Public urged to call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office with tips: 936-760-5800.

  “For the latest crime and justice news, go to crimeonline.com and please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories, where we do our best to find missing people, especially children, and help solve unsolved homicides.” [08:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Grand Blank Township Police Chief William Renee:

  “There is a couple additional bodies that we've discovered in the church, so that makes our total victim count up to four victims. As I said before, there has already been the suspect who is deceased as well. So we have five deceased persons from this tragic incident.” [01:12]

• Nicole Parton on the significance for the community:

  “There were several hundred people in attendance that day and now authorities say the church is a complete loss. After the blaze, Coleman urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, directing all of them to call 1-800-FBI-TIPS.” [01:54]

• Nancy Grace (Closing appeal on missing persons):

  “For the latest crime and justice news, go to crimeonline.com and please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories, where we do our best to find missing people, especially children, and help solve unsolved homicides.” [08:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00–03:16] Michigan church shooting and arson coverage, suspect details, police and FBI statements
• [05:54–07:21] North Carolina boat shooting incident: facts, suspect apprehension
• [07:21–08:50] Donna Cloud missing person case update and public call for information

Tone and Style

The episode maintains Nancy Grace's urgent, direct style, combining factual reporting from correspondents with empathetic appeals for vigilance and public assistance. The language is clear, concise, and charged with concern for victims and communities.

Summary

This episode spotlights the horrors of recent mass violence — a targeted attack and arson at a Michigan church, a mass shooting at a North Carolina bar, and an ongoing missing person case in Texas. The coverage is timely and comprehensive, featuring firsthand police statements, investigative updates, and calls to action for listeners to help support ongoing investigations and recover missing individuals.