GRAND BLANC, Mich. — In the wake of Sunday’s deadly shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, investigators and community members are scrutinizing social media posts made by the suspect’s mother in the hours leading up to the attack.
The alleged gunman, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob “Jake” Sanford of Burton, has been identified as the man who rammed his truck into the LDS church before opening fire with a semi-automatic rifle, killing at least two and injuring nine others. He was later shot and killed by responding officers outside the burning building. Sanford’s actions left the community reeling, but a Facebook post written by his mother, Brenda Walters-Sanford, the day before the rampage has raised fresh questions about possible family tensions.
In a lengthy message shared on Saturday afternoon, Walters-Sanford wrote about struggles with a loved one who was described as deflecting, twisting conversations, and leaving her emotionally drained. While she never directly named her son, many readers believe the post was directed at Sanford. The tone suggested a deep rift, as she spoke of exhaustion, manipulation, and the need to protect her peace by walking away. The timing of the post—less than 24 hours before the mass shooting—has sparked speculation about whether it reflected escalating conflict within the family.
The Facebook message read in part: “People lack accountability, then say, ‘You could’ve talked to me.’ No, I couldn’t. You don’t listen. You deflect. You twist everything into an attack and then play the victim… I can’t—and I won’t—invest my emotional energy in someone who consistently prioritizes winning over understanding, control over empathy, and excuses over responsibility.”
Alongside this emotional statement, Walters-Sanford’s account also displayed family photographs of her son, his wife, and their young child. Older posts celebrated milestones and family memories, creating a sharp contrast to the tense message shared just before the attack. More recent updates showed her commenting on political issues, including criticism of congressional benefits and public service, as well as sharing memes about accountability and hard work.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the Facebook post played any role in Sanford’s actions. However, the proximity of the message to the deadly attack has added another layer of tragedy to the unfolding investigation. As officials continue to probe Sanford’s motives, the community is left grappling with both the devastating loss of life and the haunting words of a mother who may have been trying to reach her troubled son.