LIVONIA, Mich. – Relatives of 22-year-old Tanner Ray Pierce, one of four people killed Tuesday evening at a Livonia home, said the family should be remembered for how they lived as a memorial of flowers, candles, and balloons continues to grow outside the house on Rensellor Road, a day before what would have been his 23rd birthday.
Twin cousins Gavin and Garrett Pierce said Tanner was “more like a brother” than a cousin and someone they leaned on daily.
“He was always there. He always gave the best advice,” Garrett said. “Whenever I needed someone to talk to, he always had my back, we always had his back as well.”
The cousins said they spoke with Tanner nearly every day, spending time with friends, going to the gym, and taking camping trips.
Garrett said their last conversation came just two days before Tanner was killed.
“We were on video call, and he was so excited next month to go camping, and he was going to get the spot, him and his girlfriend Nevaeh,” Garrett said.
Livonia police said the shooting happened around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday (June 9) at the home near Inkster and 7 Mile roads.
The victims were identified as Sterling Ray Pierce, 58; Holly Marie Kimball, 53; Tanner, 22; and Tanner’s girlfriend, Nevaeh May Joslyn Finch, 21, of Warren.
According to investigators, Tanner’s 25-year-old brother walked out of the home with his hands raised and told officers he had shot his family.
Livonia police Chief Tom Goralski called the case devastating.
“It’s tragic, and our hearts go out to that family,” Goralski said.
The cousins said Tanner worked as an operating engineer alongside his father and had been saving money with Finch to move in together, hoping to start a family of his own.
They described Sterling and Holly, along with Tanner and his brother, as a close, loving family.
“Whenever we see them, we see nothing but love,” Garrett said. “Whenever Tanner was with his brother, he always put his arm around him; he was his biggest supporter.”
Gavin said learning all four had been killed was overwhelming.
“I didn’t want to believe it, and when I saw all the cars and lights, I knew something was wrong,” he said. “But when we found out all four of them were deceased, it was the most horrific news.”
Relatives said they’re grateful for support from neighbors and the wider community and are encouraging people who hear the family’s story to donate to a mental health organization of their choice in the family’s honor.
Despite the tragic circumstances of their death, Garrett said they want the family to be remembered for the kind of people they were.
“Holly too. She was such an incredible woman; she loved them very much,” Garrett said. “Nevaeh, Tanner’s girlfriend, and Tanner, of course, and Sterling, they were just good people. Great people, and anyone would’ve been very lucky to get to know them.”
The bar Mulligan’s Pub and Grub in Farmington Hills is planning to host a fundraiser for the family on Saturday.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will release an update on charges in the case on Friday (June 12).