Kevin James Loibi identified as killer of Christina Grimmie, shot dead at Orlando concert – while signing autographs
Christina Grimmie, 22, Voice season six 2nd runner up, killed after concert in Orlando FL
Shooter identified as 27-year-old shooter, Kevin James Loibl, 27
Loibi arrived at Grimmie’s post-concert autograph session packing two handguns, a large hunting knife and two extra loaded magazines, Orlando
Apparently trailed YouTube star, Christina to Florida and shot twice while she was signing autographs after concert
Suspect tackled by Grimmie’s brother Mark, killer then fatally shot himself during the struggle
Cops say Loibi came to the venue with the sole purpose of killing the singer
The shooter in the Chritina Grimmie asassination has been identified as Florida native Kevin James Loibl, 27, who drove from another Florida city, where he planned to return after confronting the singer, according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina.
Chief Minna said Loibi arrived at Grimmie’s post-concert autograph session, Friday at 10:30 p.m., packing two handguns, a large hunting knife and two extra loaded magazines.
“She was doing a meet-and-greet, just signing autographs and selling merchandise. This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her,” Mina said. “We believe he came here to commit this crime.”
New Jersey native Christina Grimmie, 22, was signing autographs for fans at Orlando’s Plaza Live theater when tragedy struck.
The show ended at 10 p.m., with the violence erupting minutes later during a meet-and-greet at the venue’s merchandise table.
YouTube star Christina Grimmie was shot after an Orlando concert on Friday night. Above, her performance during the show.
The unidentified suspect was tackled by Grimmie’s brother and fatally shot himself in the ensuing struggle, police said.
Concert attendees mentioned that they were n line to get an autograph when chaos broke out, and they heard upto six gunshots before running out of the venue and hiding behind a shipping container, he said.
Hot-dog salesman Josh, an eye witness said that he went inside the venue and saw a woman with blood coming from her head and a man in a pool of blood.
Grimmie, known for her covers of pop songs such as Nelly’s “Just A Dream,” was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died. The identity of the gunman — as well as how he managed to bring two firearms into the concert venue is under investigation
YouTube star Christina Grimmie (left) was performing at the venue with Before You Exit.
Fans expressed their worries for Grimmie on social media Friday night using the hashtag #PrayForChristina, and later paid their respects after news broke of her passing.
Tributes
“There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends and family of @TheRealGrimmie,” “The Voice” tweeted.
Police said that the suspected gunman, who has not been identified, shot himself.
Selena Gomez tweeted ‘We will always keep the memory of this angel’
Legendary producer Quincy Jones offered his condolences Saturday morning, writing that he was “horrified” to hear the news.
“Too young & too much talent to leave us this soon. Sending ❤️ 2 her loved ones & fans,” he tweeted.
“My heart hurts hearing this news.. So terrible. Praying for Christina and her family,” Nick Jonas posted on Twitter.
Grimmie’s music found a loyal following, attracting millions of views and more than 3 million channel subscribers.
Before You Exit
“So lucky to have had a friend so purely good and impossibly talented,” he said.
Ever loving brother Mark couldn’t stop gunman asassinating his sister Christina, but forced shooter to take his own life
Before You Exit did not comment on her final moments, but said that “Words fail to describe how much Christina means to all of us. She was always a constant beam of light and energy into the hearts of everyone around her.”
“I know you’re spinning in Heaven love,” band member Riley McDonough tweeted.
Grimmie’s current life on tour is a long way from the southern New Jersey native’s beginnings in 2009, when she posted a cover of Hannah Montana’s “Don’t Wanna Be Torn” on her YouTube page at age 15.
“I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl…” wrote country star Blake Shelton, a coach on the NBC reality show. “Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind.”
Grimme was discovered on YouTube, where she amassed a huge fan following. She went on to win a spot on Season 6 of “The Voice” after her show-stopping performance of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” during a blind audition captivated the attention of all four contestant judges. The rising star finished third in the overall contest but went on to share her talent with the world.Grimmie later moved from Internet fame into the mainstream with an appearance on “The Voice,” where she finished third to eventual champion Josh Kaufman and runner-up Jake Worthington.
She had been scheduled to perform in San Francisco and Los Angeles later this month.
Concert goers stunned at the turn of events and assasination of the main act
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