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Grand Master Murdered Outside Masonic Temple In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit police are investigating the murder of the grand master of a Masonic Temple in Detroit.

Jerry Sears, 56, was the grand master of the Mount Olive Masonic Temple on Fenkell, and that's where he was Saturday afternoon preparing for a convention that begins Sunday evening in Dearborn.

According to reports, Sears went outside cleaning the temple and was allegedly gunned down by someone who came from around the corner. He was reportedly shot once in the neck.

The temple's financial secretary, Barry Short, said the convention will go on and they're holding a memorial service for Sears.

"It's going to be tough but I know other members - our members are very, very much in pain at the present time. It's going to take some time for us to heal," said Short to WWJ's Beth Fisher.

Short says he is disgusted by the killing and hurt, saying he worked closely with Sears to keep the lodge running.

He described Sears as a very intelligent, articulate, and logical person who would help anyone.

Short said that the two had talked and Sears was " ... very, very upbeat about everything going perfect."

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