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.
“We are devastated and broken at the news that our family member could be involved in such an awful way,” the family said in a statement, reported Statesman.
“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.
Texas blast suspect Mark Anthony Conditt is seen in this undated handout photo released by Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, U.S. March 21, 2018. (Austin Community College/Handout via Reuters)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.”
Earlier on Wednesday, authorities were able to track Conditt down using cell phone technology, security videos, and store receipts.
"Federal Criminal Complaint and Arrest Warrant Filed Last Night Against Pflugerville, TX Man Prior to His Death After Discharging Bomb" https://t.co/5yU2tSS2wg #PressRelease #AustinPD pic.twitter.com/cfbsIXdy3n
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 21, 2018
Law enforcement located Conditt in Round Rock, right before he began driving on Interstate 35, reported CBS. Shots were fired but the suspect ultimately died after he detonated a bomb in his vehicle, police said.
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.
Investigators have detained two roommates of the Austin bombing suspect. 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. APD PIO
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 21, 2018
President Donald Trump congratulated law enforcement for their hard work in locating the Austin bomber suspect.
AUSTIN BOMBING SUSPECT IS DEAD. Great job by law enforcement and all concerned!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018
Pflugerville Mayor Victor Gonzales told the Associated Press Mark lived in Pflugerville, a suburb of Austin.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that Mark was home-schooled before attending Austin Community College but he never graduated from the college.
From NTD.tv
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