Relatives of alleged package bomber Mark Anthony Conditt said they were devastated after learning the news that their family member was involved in the serial bombings which terrorized Austin, Texas throughout March.
“Our family is a normal family in every way. We love, we pray, and we try to inspire and serve others. Right now our prayers are for those families that have lost loved ones, for those impacted in any way, and for the soul of our Mark. We are grieving and we are in shock.
“Please respect our privacy as we deal with this terrible, terrible knowledge and try to support each other through this time,” the family added.
Mark Conditt, 23, has been identified by authorities as the suspect who is responsible for making six explosive devices — five of which detonated — killing two people and injuring five others over a period of three weeks this month.
Police said the 23-year-old killed himself by detonating a bomb after law enforcement confronted him at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21.
Mark’s grandmother Mary Conditt from Colorado told Fox 31 that “it’s just horrible.”
Mary described her grandson as someone who was “low-key and peaceful.”
“He’s from a family that is so tight, that works so hard to raise their children correctly. It’s just horrible,” she told the news station.
Mark’s aunt, who has not been identified, told the news station that the family has no idea why her nephew did this.
“I have no idea [why he did this],” she said.
“He was at my Christmas table. He was a great kid. He was smart, loving, kind. I have no idea who this person is.
“I would say to everybody, this is a horrible, horrible thing. You just never know.
“It’s just awful and I’m so sorry that everybody’s dealing with this.”
Investigations are still ongoing. Authorities said that they detained two roommates of the Austin bombing suspect on Wednesday.
“One roommate was detained, questioned and released. The other is currently being questioned. Their names will not be released because they are not under arrest at this time,” police said.
President Donald Trump congratulated law enforcement for their hard work in locating the Austin bomber suspect.
Friends Read Free