Crime & Safety
Gunman Who Targeted 'Voice' Star Christina Grimmie Identified: LATEST
The 22-year-old singer was shot while signing autographs late Friday night. She died early Saturday morning.
ORLANDO, FL - Police have identified the man who they say shot and killed former 'The Voice' contestant Christina Grimmie as she signed autographs for fans after a show at Orlando's Plaza Live theater. The gunman, who fatally shot himself, was identified as 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl, of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Police identified him by name late Saturday afternoon via Twitter.
St. Petersburg is about 100 miles away from Orlando.
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Loibl intended to travel back to St. Petersburg after shooting the New Jersey native, who was a finalist during the sixth season of NBC's "The Voice," Orlando Police Chief John Mina said.
No motive has been established for the shooting, but police said Loibl had no previous criminal history, and that he may have been a deranged fan.
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They don't think Loibl knew Grimmie, and were checking his phone and computer for any evidence of a motive on Saturday.
They also believe he acted alone.
He was armed with two "small caliber handguns," extra rounds of ammunition and a hunting knife, police said.
"He came here to commit this crime," Mina said.
Police said the shooting took place after a concert Grimmie was a part of with the band Before You Exit at Orlando's Plaza Live theater.
Grimmie, who hails from Evesham Township in southern New Jersey, was doing a meet-and-greet at the back of the concert hall when the gunman approached her.
Grimmie's brother, Marcus, tackled Loibl in an effort to save his sister's life. No one else was injured in the shooting, and Mina credited Marcus with "preventing the further loss of human life."
After being listed in critical condition late Friday night, Grimmie died around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, police said.
"With deep regret, we can confirm that Christina Grimmie has died of her injuries," Orlando police posted early Saturday morning.
The venue has unarmed security guards that check patrons' bags as they enter but there are no metal detectors. Police are unsure how Loibl got into the venue, and if he attended Friday night's concert.
On Saturday afternoon, the Plaza Live announced that all activities and events had been suspended until further notice, and that grief counselors were being provided to all staff involved. It will also work with their concert promoter to support the artists and their families.
"Like everyone else in the community, the board and staff at the Plaza Live Venue are deeply saddened by the tragic events of Friday evening," the theater said in a Facebook post. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost as well as those who witnessed and aided in the recovery after this senseless act."
About 120 people attended Friday night's concert, and police said there were "multiple witnesses" to the shooting.
Josh Call, who was working at a vegan hot dog stand outside the venue, told the Orlando Sentinel he heard four or five shots.
"It was quick like pow, pow, pow," he told the paper. After a few minutes he said he went inside and saw a man and a woman on the floor bleeding heavily.
"It was horrifying," he told the Sentinel.
Grimmie, a graduate of Cherokee High School, became a YouTube sensation for her renditions of popular songs and has more than 3 million followers.
Grimmie, originally of Voorhees, competed on "The Voice" in 2014. She moved to Los Angeles in 2012.
Her first album “Find Me” came out in 2011, and another, “Side A,” came out in February.
We are heartbroken. @TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family. Our thoughts are with her and her family. #PrayForChristina
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) June 11, 2016
There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) June 11, 2016
Today we lost an angel, sister, and a beloved friend. #RipChristina pic.twitter.com/EkwTKsaLFr
— Before You Exit⇞ (@beforeyouexit) June 11, 2016
Selena Gomez's stepfather Brian Teefey created a GoFundMe page to help her family. Grimmie and Gomez have gone on tour together, and Teefey told People.com he considers them to be family.
"Christina Grimmie was such a gift to this world and loved by many," Teefey wrote on the page, called Support the Grimmie Family. "Unparallelled was the love from her parents and brother who moved across the country to support their daughter in achieving her musical dreams. We would love for the family to be able to take the proper time to grieve."
"I'm shocked and saddened by the news of Christina Grimmie's death, Evesham Township Mayor Randy Brown said on social media. "She was one of Evesham's shining stars. Condolences to the Grimmie Family."
Evesham Board of Education member Sandy Student described Grimmie as a "regular person who became a celebrity"in an interview with the Courier Post.
“We are horrified and deeply saddened over the unconscionable murder last night of Christina Grimmie,” Philadelphia Music Alliance Board Chairman Alan Rubens said in statement issued Saturday morning. “She was poised to be one of the Philadelphia area’s next global music ambassadors, but her star shined all too briefly. Christina was struck down at a terribly young age, doing what she loved best. We’re extremely proud to have called her our own, and she will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and fans as we cherish her memory.”
Grimmie performed in Philadelphia a few weeks ago as the Before You Exit's special guest, according to the Burlington County Times.
"Very sad to hear of the tragic passing of NJ native Christina Grimmie. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and fans," Gov. Chris Christie wrote on Twitter Saturday.
Grimmie was an animal rights activist who was captaining the Humane Society of the United States in Ecomedia's Charity Champions League this month.
"We at Ecomedia are truly devastated by this tragedy," Ecomedia posted on its website. "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Grimmie Family and all who are mourning her loss."
There was an outpouring of support and reactions on Twitter following the announcement of her passing.
Behati and I are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Christina Grimmie’s death. Our hearts go out to her family pic.twitter.com/y4OMkm0uXu
— Adam Levine (@adamlevine) June 11, 2016
So sad right now. My thoughts & prayers go out to Christina Grimmie's friends/family. What an incredible talent that won't be forgotten
— Colton Haynes (@ColtonLHaynes) June 11, 2016
"#RIPChristina. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones," Demi Lovato wrote.
"I have no words. RIP Christina. See you again love," Tori Kelly wrote.
in a state of shock at the passing of @TheRealGrimmie .Was lucky enough 2work w/her a couple times &she was such a source of light &kindness
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) June 11, 2016
So terribly tragic. May she rest in peace.
— Rowan Blanchard (@rowblanchard) June 11, 2016
"Another incredible talent gone too soon," Anna Perez de Tagle wrote. "My prayers go out to her and her loved ones. This is heartbreaking."
"Oh my God, oh my God. My heart is so cold and heavy. I am in awe. I got to sing with you last year. Rest in peace Angel," Josh Levi wrote.
An Instagram user posted footage from Friday night's show.
I can't believe I was just at the arena having the best night and on the way home I hear Christina got shot!?! She is the sweetest person ever and so incredibly talented I hope she is ok this is so sad #christinagrimmie #prayforchristina #beforeyouexit #ripchristina @beforeyouexit @therealgrimmie
A video posted by Ashlyn hicks (@ashlynhickss) on Jun 10, 2016 at 8:25pm PDT
Her brother, Marcus Grimmie, is being hailed as a hero on social media.
Thank you, Mark Grimmie. #PrayForChristina pic.twitter.com/Kfb83jMR0n
— Leah (@jbgrimmiefan) June 11, 2016
Mark Grimmie is a hero. #RIPChristina pic.twitter.com/BP6bKs8JVa
— Kyla (@Kycola) June 11, 2016
Editor's Note: Police originally identified the gunman as a 21-year-old white male and later corrected this information, identifying him as a 27-year-old male.
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