The suspect, who killed himself after opening fire at Grimmie, has been identified as Kevin James Loibl, a 27-year-old man from St. Petersburg, Florida.
- June 13, 2016
AceShowbiz -
The man who shot Christina Grimmie and caused her death has been identified by police. Orlando Police Chief John Mina said at a news conference on Saturday, June 11 that the gunman was 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl, who is believed to have traveled from his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida to Orlando specifically to kill the 22-year-old singer on Friday night.
Loibl, apparently, did not have connection to the singer. "There is no indication that he knew her," said Police Chief Mina, adding, "We're looking into that to try to find a motive for the crime." The gunman shot and killed himself after Grimmie's brother Marcus tackled him.
Grimmie died early Saturday morning after taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Center. "She was doing a meet-and-greet, just signing autographs and selling merchandise. This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her," said Mina.
Her tragic passing has been mourned by some celebrities like Adam Levine, her coach on NBC's "The Voice" season 6, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. Grimmie had performed backup vocals for Gomez & the Scene on their tour.
Just two days later, on early Sunday, Orlando was rocked by another tragedy when a gunman identified as Omar Mateen opened fire at a gay nightclub. An estimated 50 people died and 53 others were injured in the incident which has been dubbed the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
