More details are emerging about the tragic murder of Youtube star and The Voice alum, Christina Grimmie. The singer was killed when a “White male approached her and opened fire, striking her,” Orlando police chief John Mina said in a press conference Saturday morning.
The incident occurred at The Plaza Live, a concert venue in Orlando Florida Friday night. Christina was signing autographs and selling merchandise after the show when a man walked up to her and shot her.
The 21 year old suspect, who shot and killed himself during the incident, carried two handguns, two additional loaded magazines of ammunition and a large hunting knife, said authorities.
His identity will be released later today by police. The suspect travelled to Orlando from another place to commit the crime, and did not appear to know her personally, authorities said.
“This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her,” Mina said. “Almost immediately, her brother, Marcus Grimmie, tackled the suspect to the ground. Shortly after that the suspect killed himself.”
There were unarmed security guards at The Plaza concert venue that searched bags and purses, said Mina. But there were no metal detectors or pat-downs of concert goers entering the venue.
Detectives are going through the suspect’s cell phone and computer in search of a motive for the attack.
Orlando police detectives will meet with Christina’s family today, after which they will provide further details.
UPDATE: The Orlando Police reveal the suspect’s identity, 27 year old Kevin James Loibl:
OPD can confirm 27 year old Kevin James Loibl, suspect who shot Christina Grimmie, is from St Petersburg, FL pic.twitter.com/iN6RUi3VRx
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016
Also, the venue, Plaza Live has suspended operations until further notice:
Watch the full Orlando Police Department press conference here.
https://youtu.be/ya3C7uOucS8
