Christina Grimmie talks to the judges during her audition on "The Voice." (Photo : YouTube / Show Me Space)
Authorities have identified Kevin James Loibl, 27, of St. Petersburg, Florida as the gunman who killed "The Voice" singer Christina Grimmie on the night of June 10, Friday. Loibl reportedly killed himself after the singer's brother tackled him. However, the police have not given a background of Loibl and the motive of the killing.
The suspect apparently drove to Orlando to commit the crime and may have planned to travel back afterwards. He had two guns, two loaded magazines and a big hunting knife.
Grimmie posted a video on social media before her performance, inviting fans to see her show. She was signing autographs following a show at The Plaza Live theatre when a man went near and opened fire. There were about 120 people at the meet-and-greet and her brother's quick action may have actually saved other lives.
The 22-year-old died in a hospital where she was rushed after the shooting. Investigators are combing through Loibl's belongings, such as his phone and computer for information that may lead them to the motive of the killing.
So far, there is no evidence that Loibl and Grimmie knew each other. The young singer may have been shot by a crazy fan, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said at a press conference held in the morning of June 11, Saturday.
However, a handwritten note was found posted on the suspect's family home, CNN reported. It reads, "Deepest sorrow for lost (sic) to the family, friends and fans of the very talented, loving Christina Grimmie. No other comments."
It is not clear how the suspect was able to go into the venue with a gun, or if attendees were checked for weapons. The Plaza Live had security measures in place, but there were no metal detectors and people were not examined thoroughly. Its security guards were unarmed and in polo shirts, checking bags of people who entered the venue.
A young woman who claimed to have witnessed the fatal shooting said Loibl was right in front of her and her friends during the meet-and-greet event. Destiny Rivera went to the event to see Grimmie for the first time and found the suspect dressed just like any concert goer.
"He did look a little bit nervous, but he was by himself," Rivera told PEOPLE. "He didn't seem up for a conversation whatsoever, and he was kinda - he just kept looking around and was moving his body."
When it was Loibl's turn to meet the singer, Rivera said she saw "The Voice" alum greeting him with open arms and enthusiasm, as she did to other fans. The "witness" said she turned to her friends to talk when she heard "three popping noises" like balloons which fans brought to the event.
When Rivera turned back, she saw Grimmie lying on the ground as fans ran and the singer's brother jumping over the table. It was then that she realized the situation was serious, that Grimmie was not lying on the floor but was shot and fell to the ground.
Rivera then started to run and heard another gunshot. She assumed the shooter ran out of the venue with them.
Watch Grimmie's "The Voice" audition below.
