The gunman who shot and killed singer Christina Grimmie, who rose to fame after appearing on “The Voice,” traveled to Orlando from another Florida city specifically to attack her, authorities said Saturday.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said the suspect, identified as a 26-year-old Kevin James Loibl, didn’t appear to know Grimmie personally. Grimmie was shot after giving a concert in Orlando on Friday night. She died early Saturday. The gunman then fatally shot himself.
Man who shot and killed Christina Grimmie @TheRealGrimmie is
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 11, 2016
Kevin James Loibl DOB 03/10/1989 pic.twitter.com/2D7ZIDhXCa
“She was doing a meet-and-greet, just signing autographs and selling merchandise,” Mina said at a news conference Saturday. “This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her. We believe he came here to commit this crime.”
Police said Loibl came from another, unspecified town and carried two handguns, two loaded magazines, and a hunting knife.
Grimmie performed at The Plaza Live theater in Orlando with band Before You Exit. The concert ended at about 10 p.m. and the 22-year-old singer was at a merchandise table signing autographs.
At about 10:30 p.m. Loibl approached Grimmie and shot her. Grimmie’s brother, Marcus, immediately tackled the gunman, who then shot himself.
Police have secured the suspect’s computer and cellphone, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Grimmie finished third on the sixth season of NBC’s talent show “The Voice” in 2014.
