Orlando police said they have identified the 27-year-old man accused of traveling to Orlando to kill "The Voice" contestant and YouTube star Christina Grimmie late Friday after a performance at the Plaza Live.
Police identified Kevin James Loibl as the suspected gunman Saturday afternoon.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said during a morning news conference that Loibl traveled from another city outside of Central Florida to kill Grimmie during a meet-and-greet after the concert.
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Armed with two handguns and a hunting knife, the man shot Grimmie shortly before 10:30 p.m. Friday as she signed autographs for fans, Mina said. Fans reported hearing at least six gunshots inside the venue.
Police say Grimmie’s brother then tackled the gunman, something Mina called heroic as it prevented the suspect from shooting any other bystanders. The gunman then turned the gun on himself.
A note was taped to the door of Loibl's family home Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida. It read:
"Deepest sorrow for lost (sic) to the family, friends and fans of the very talented, loving Christina Grimmie. No other comments."
The singer was brought to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Shortly after 3 a.m. Orlando police announced that Grimmie had died from her injuries. Her publicist issued a statement to WFTV, confirming the news.
At the time of the shooting, 120 people were inside the venue, which was being patrolled by unarmed security guards, Mina said.
>> 'The Voice' star Christina Grimmie shot and killed after performance in Orlando
Though the venue doesn’t have metal detectors or require pat downs, Mina said security officers checked bags and purses at the facility’s entrance.
Police believe Loibl planned to return to the city from where he came. Investigators are now poring through his cellphone and computer to determine his motive.
They are also trying to determine how he got the guns. Mina said there’s no indication Grimmie knew Loibl. And it’s unknown if he had contacted her on social media.
Detectives met Grimmie’s parents Saturday.
Grimmie participated in the sixth season of the singing competition, "The Voice" and finished in third place. She first gained notoriety on YouTube. Her YouTube channel has more than 11,000 followers.
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