There’s no evidence Grimmie and Loibl knew each other, police said. “This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her”, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Saturday at a news conference. The suspect had traveled to Orlando with two handguns, several loaded magazines and a hunting knife.
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The star’s brother Mark tackled the deranged fan after he shot Christina in the head, preventing him from injuring anyone else.
Selena Gomez is mourning the loss of her close friend Christina Grimmie, who was tragically shot dead as she signed autographs for fans at her Florida concert on Friday night. Police declined to provide many details about the suspect.
In a tweet, the Orlando Police Department identified the suspect as Kevin James Loibl, releasing a headshot and saying that he was 27 and from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Earlier Friday, Grimmie posted a message on Twitter inviting fans to her concert. Before taking part in “The Voice”, she had gained attention online with her Youtube videos featuring covers of pop songs.
“Grimms I love you, and miss you beyond comprehension”, Teefey concluded his note, signing both his name and LH7 Management.
The Plaza Live had security for the event but the same CNN report mentions that there were no metal detectors in the entrance to the venue.
But the tragedy could have been far worse had Grimmie’s brother Marcus not tackled the suspect as he began shooting. The suspected serial killer eluded authorities for nearly three months before the 27-year-old shot himself to death in a houseboat a few miles from Versace’s home.
Selena Gomez was among the many stars who paid tribute to Christina on social media, sharing a silly picture of them together with the words: “My heart is absolutely broken”.
“Hey guys, what’s up?” she said into the camera.
Grimmie, a New Jersey native, finished in third place during Season 6 of “The Voice”.
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The band that was touring with Grimmie, Before You Exit, said on Twitter that its members are heartbroken.
