Christina Grimmie Shot Dead While Signing Autographs at Orlando Concert
UPDATE: Orlando police have identified Grimmie's shooter as Kevin James Loibl, 27, of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Authorities believe that Loibl, who was carrying two handguns, a hunting knife and additional ammunition, traveled from another city in the state specifically to kill Grimmie, though his reason for the murder is still unclear.
Police continue to search his belongings — including his cell-phone and computer — as well as his home to determine a motive.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said that they do not believe that Grimmie knew her assailant.
ORIGINAL POST (6/11): Incredibly horrifying news this morning: Christina Grimmie, known for placing as a finalist on Season 6 of The Voice as well as her incredibly popular YouTube channel, has been shot and killed at an Orlando concert with Before You Exit at the Plaza Live Theater yesterday (June 10) while signing autographs for fans.
According to Orlando Sgt. Wanda Miglio, Grimmie's brother tackled the suspect, who then shot himself. The suspect's motive for the shooting remains unclear.
"The suspect, who was not identified, is dead, Miglio said. He had two guns in his possession, but Miglio said she has no information about the type of gun used, the motive or whether he and Grimmie knew each other. She said she did not know how many rounds were fired," USA Today reports.
Grimmie's publicist confirmed the news of Christina's death as of Saturday morning (June 11).
"It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn't survive the gunshot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning," said her publicist Heather Weiss in a statement.
"Today we lost an angel, sister, and a beloved friend. #RipChristina," Before You Exit wrote, along with a note about Christina's passing.
Only last week, PopCrush spoke to the singer about her hope to put out a full-length album this year. We send our deepest condolences to Christina's friends and family, and anyone else affected by this awful tragedy.
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