Update. A Facebook page has been created for Bishop Clay Sannar
Most have likely heard the horrific news out of Visalia, CA today of young Bishop Clay Sanner who was slain while at Church performing his pastoral administrative duties as Bishop in his Visalia 2nd Ward. Several media links are below; however, the point of this post is to spread the word of a pledge fund for dontations to help the family. Please see this link for details. The fund was started by Connor Boyack. Based on recent tweets from Connor they have raised some $1500.00.
The Deseret News reported:
A bishop in the same stake, who was not present but spoke to witnesses, the shooter came to the church and was “visibly angry about something,” then came back after sacrament meeting and entered Sannar’s office.
The man shot Sannar in the foot then pulled him into the foyer, where he shot him in the face, the other bishop said, citing witness reports.
Bishop Sanner, 42 leaves a wife and six young children, one of whom is only six months old. A recent media video update reports some of the details, including the subsequent shooting of the suspect by the police, and who is also apparently now dead.
The Salt Lake Tribune’s article has just been updated, but appears to be an AP story, rather than Tribune reporters. Connor Boyack has been tweeting the story, and his most recent tweet has donations to the family at about $10,000.
Update: The Visalia Times Delta has probably the most comprehensive coverage.
Update II: KSL is reporting the suspect’s name as Kenneth James Ward of Modesto, CA
August 29, 2010 at 6:24 pm
It’s terrible. I’m curious as to the motivation. It could be any number of reasons from personal to business to politics. But this is pretty big. I can’t think of another incident where a bishop was shot at church, can you?
August 29, 2010 at 6:40 pm
No–not off hand. It’s just bizarre.
August 29, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Years ago I had an experience with a transient that went awry, saying he was LDS. I learned from my Bishop that there were many cases of people pretending to be LDS to take advantage of Church welfare programs and to get money. I gave him a place to stay for the night,took him out to go look for work and later the police found him trying to pawn some of my medicine. Bottom line, Matthew 25:40 means also to be careful.
August 29, 2010 at 9:02 pm
It bothers me that this story is not being covdered hardly at all by national media outlets. Had this been any other religion it would be all over the place. Church members across the country need to know. CNN had a little piece, but nothing like this sad story deserves.
September 6, 2010 at 3:55 pm
The point is that what happened to this family is terrible and should have never happened. It was covered by numerous news stations throughout the nation. There was not limited converage because of the religion. The coverage of this incident has nothing to do with the religion. We are all human beings, and we all share the same earth. This situation would have been equaly heartbreaking had the victim been any other reliigon. You say church members across the country need to know but you are wrong. People in general across the country need to know. You are contributing to the isolation of groups such as religions.
August 29, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I’m just heartsick tonite after hearing about this. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones at this time.
August 30, 2010 at 4:41 am
I was going to post on this but you beat me to it. This is really disturbing.
August 30, 2010 at 9:35 am
The Visalia newspaper is reporting that the suspect was a (mentally ill) former member who felt wronged by a bishop in the 1980s.
August 30, 2010 at 10:17 am
[...] Guy Murray Buzz: 7 Responses to “Visalia Mormon Bishop Clay Sannar Shot Dead In Bishop’s Office At Church”. Dan Says: August 29, 2010 at 6:24 pm. It’s terrible. I’m curious as to the motivation. It could be any number of reasons from … [...]
August 30, 2010 at 4:06 pm
[...] Visalia Mormon Bishop Clay Sannar Shot Dead In Bishop’s Office At Church Most have likely heard the horrific news out of Visalia, CA today of young Bishop Clay Sanner who was slain while at [...] [...]
August 30, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Actually I prefer if this story isn’t sensationalized. When the media gets the hype going it can actually cause future tragedies because future unstable or maladjusted individuals think about doing the same thing because it got so much attention.
School shootings and sniper shootings are supposedly in that category. So maybe the Lord is protecting future bishops by encouraging the media to not run with the story.
August 31, 2010 at 9:17 am
This story is already sensationalized. Look at this blog. The family hasn’t had a chance to bury their husband and father and already the Internet is buzzing. I contacted the Church this morning and they’re working to set up an official fund to help the family. Donate to that. Nothing against Connor Boyack, but I don’t know him and Katrina and 9/11 have proven that con men will make a buck off any tragedy.
August 31, 2010 at 11:32 am
JB,
I am fairly strongly certain that Connor Boyback is a good man who is not out to take the money donated to the family of a murdered bishop. Not that you know who I am, but he’s not a con man.
August 31, 2010 at 1:01 pm
The Church’s public relations department is sending the following response to queries about helping the Sannar family.
—————–
Many have inquired about ways to help, including contribution to a trust or memorial fund for the benefit of the Sanner family. A Sannar Family Trust Fund has been established for the benefit of Clay Sannar’s wife and children. Contributions may be mailed to:
The Sannar Family Trust Fund
PO Box 3328
Visalia, CA 93278
Or hand delivered to:
The Sannar Family Trust Fund
Citizens Business Bank
500 West Main Street
Visalia, CA 93291
Online offerings to receive donations to help the Sannar family are not sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or the Sannar family. It is preferable to contribute to The Sannar Family Trust Fund.
January 14, 2011 at 2:48 pm
At the time of this tragedy I was the high priest group leader in the Salem Oregon 5th ward..our leadership canvassed our group for donations-we sent in a sizeable donation.
For I recall my Father was killed when I was 13 and the struggle my Mom had with just me and my younger Sister.
For those of you that have worked tirelessly on the Sanner Family’s behalf in establishing Trust funds you are truly doing the Lords work….who knows what future holds for this Family, but at least they will know people really care and the network of the Church begins with ‘we love you and care for you”…….
The truth is evident………
August 5, 2012 at 6:03 pm
[...] And, alas, it only takes one person. We did have a case, almost exactly two years ago, of a Latter-day Saint bishop shot to death in his church office by an ex-Mormon. I myself, just yesterday, received a series of anonymous emails — each phrased somewhat [...]