The same forensic expert testified that the forensic evidence "scientifically repudiates Thatcher's accounts" of the shooting. Sheriff's deputies claimed to have seen a woman retrieving the rifle and carrying it away. The church claimed the victims were unarmed. No rifle attributable to being in the possession of the victims was found. Attorneys for the church claimed that lie detector tests on witnesses showed they were truthful in claiming they witnessed the victims were shot in the back by the deputy. Thatcher's actions were investigated and ruled justified by county, state, and federal investigators. In late 1982, leader of the civil rights organization Operation PUSH, Jesse Jackson, conducted a one-day visit to Miracle Valley after the shooting. He met with the sheriff, church leaders, and others. Upon departing he reportedly announced that the two church members who had been killed were "shot in the back". He claimed to have given to the government some 400 photographs of the shooting incident taken by a news photographer. Funerals for Thomas Jr. and Tate were held at the headquarters of PUSH in Chicago. In 1987, twenty-six former members of CVHCC sued Frances Thomas for $2 million, alleging she committed fraud by using their contributions to purchase property in her own name instead of the church's. The property in Miracle Valley included a large home used by Thomas and others, the church building, a store, and approximately 25 vacant lots. The lawsuit was later dropped. In the spring of 1983, Frances Thomas announced the church and its members were returning to Chicago and the congregation was re-established on the south side of Chicago. Church members reportedly left Miracle Valley soon afterwards, some simply abandoning their homes and properties. In 1989 the church attempted to relocate to suburban Markham, Illinois, before moving to Harvey, Illinois. Frances Thomas died in 1995. The church continues to operate today under the leadership of two of Frances Thomas' daughters. Bibliography: • Daniel, William R.: "Shootout at Miracle Valley", Wheatmark, Tucson, 2009. • Wecht, Cyril H., and Saitz, Greg: "Mortal Evidence: The Forensic Evidence Behind Nine Shocking Cases", Prometheus Books, Amherst NY, 2007. References: