Grimmie, 22, performed Friday evening at Orlando’s Plaza Live venue, followed by the band Before You Exit.
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Kevin James Loibl, 27, was accused of traveling to Orlando to kill “The Voice” contestant and YouTube star late Friday, Orlando police said.
A gunman opened fire at a Florida concert venue as singer Christina Grimmie signed autographs for fans after a show, killing the onetime star of “The Voice” before shooting and killing himself, officials said Saturday.
The singer dedicated a song to her longtime friend Christina Grimmie, who tragically died the night before from a violent shooting at her meet-and-greet.
Grimmie’s brother, Marcus, immediately tackled the gunman, who then shot and killed himself during the struggle, police said.
Detectives were searching Loibl’s mobile phone and social media accounts looking for clues as to a motive, the police chief said, but they were not aware of any history of him stalking Grimmie.
“Christina was a natural, gifted talent that comes along so rarely”, wrote singer Adam Levine, who was Grimmie’s mentor on “The Voice”. “My heart goes out to Christina Grimmie’s family, friends and all the people that she touched”, Williams wrote.
Mina said the suspect did not appear to have a criminal record and there was no indication he and Grimmie knew each other, adding that it appeared Loibl may have been a deranged fan. Around 120 people were in The Plaza Live at the time. She didn’t consider herself a famous person, not like the judges on “The Voice”, where she competed, but she had a following that was as enthusiastic about her music as she was. They credited the singer’s brother with preventing the gunman from hurting others. The police chief wouldn’t elaborate further.
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British YouTube sensation Zoella – real name Zoe Suggs – tweeted: “So shocked, saddened & angry to hear about Christina Grimmie”. As of now, they can not confirm history of stalking of Grimmie by Loibl. “We lost a handsome soul with an incredible voice”. “All I wanted to do was assist her in achieving her musical dreams while protecting her from the pitfalls associated with the business”.
