UPDATED:Three Dead, Nine Injured in Louisiana Theater Shooting
- Details
- Category: Crime
- Published on Thursday, 23 July 2015 21:47
- Written by Janet Walker
Three are dead and at least nine injured, including the shooter, as a lone white man opened fire in a crowded Lafayette, Louisiana, Theater about twenty minutes into the screening of the Amy Schumer comedy TrainWreck.
With injuries ranging from minor to critical, shooting victims were treated at local area hospitals. Law enforcement are crediting the bravery of theater goers who despite being shot pulled the fire alarm, alerting the entire facility of danger.
Nearly 100 people were in the theater when the shooting began. Reports indicated multiple shots were fired, the gun man appeared orderly, not ranting or screaming, and used only one handgun.
Patrons described hearing loud firecracker pops and instantly chaos ensued as the theater emptied into the concession area, teenagers were screaming "run for your lives," blood covered survivors in shock followed.
The shooter has been identified, as John Russell Howser, described as a drifter who traveled frequently looking for work and lived at the local Motel 6. According to Police Sources they believe Howser intended to shot and then escape the scene.
Howser reportedly took a back row seat, close to an exit, stood up and fired repeatedly into the crowd in front of him. Approximately 13 shots were fired, all striking a target.
Quick thinking patrons and two police officers on site stop the carnage from becoming worse.
The dead are identified as the shooter, from a self inflicted wound and two others Macie Breaux, 21, and Jillian Johnson, 33. Breaux died at the theater and Johnson at the hospital.
Social media erupted with reports pouring in from citizen journalists looking to document the scene. Pictures indicate a heavy police presence with media and others on site.
The shooter at Lafayette’s Grand Theater, on Johnson Street, unlike the Aurora Theater shooting which occurred three years ago, July 20, 2012, the gun man was not armed in paramilitary gear nor ready for mass casualty.
Jury deliberations have entered Day two in the penalty phase of the Aurora Shooting.
