Shooting suspect faces first-degree murder charges

Raymond Lee Bailey 

Raymond Lee Bailey was arraigned last Wednesday in 34th District Court on four counts of first degree murder and four counts of felony firearm.
Bailey, 37, of Kinross, faces the felony murder charges in connection with four homicides that occurred Aug. 15 in Sumpter Township.  Sumpter Township police officers responded to a 911 call at about 12:30 p.m. reporting gunshots at a home in the 24900 block of Martinsville Road.  When officers arrived at the home, they discovered four victims, two men and two women, who had apparently died of gunshot wounds.
The deceased were subsequently identified by police as Laura Tanner, 35 and her sister, Sarah Grupa, 38 of Detroit, and brothers, Forrest Sampson, 28 and Neal Sampson, 30, both of Van Buren Township. Prosecutors allege that at the time of the shooting, Laura Tanner was having ongoing problems with Bailey, her former boyfriend.
 
Bailey allegedly fled the scene, and eventually turned himself into Bay City police at about 10:13 p.m. Aug. 16. His truck had been found abandoned in the area. Sumpter officers traveled to Bay City and transported Bailey back to the township where he remained in custody until his arraignment on the charges.
“The allegations in this case are the quintessential example of domestic victimology,” commented Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “As a result, four people are now tragically deceased. We clearly understand the social psychology of the domestic violence victim and we strive mightily to support them. So please, if you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Call the First Step 24 Hour domestic violence hotline at (734) 722-6800,” she urged.
Bailey has been charged with four counts of first degree murder and four counts of felony firearm.  Bail was denied by the court during Bailey's hospital arraignment.
His next court date is Sept. 2.
A GoFundMe account has been established by friends and family members to help with the funeral expenses for the four victims. Last week, more than $36,000 had been pledged.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Sumpter Township Police Department detective bureau at (734) 461-4833, option 4.