Friday, July 24, 2015

John Russell Houser Identified As Lafayette Theater Shooter

He was described as a “drifter.”

Louisiana officials have identified shooter in Thursday's night's attack on a theater as John Russell Houser, 59.

Authorities described him at a news conference on Friday morning as a "drifter."

He drove a 1995 blue Lincoln Continental to the theater, and in a MOtel 6 room he was staying at officials found "wigs and glasses and disguises."

He allegedly parked "right outside an exist door of the theater," and "it was apparent he was intent on shooting, then escaping," officials said. He fired about 13 shots.

A friend of Houser, who went to Columbus State University with him from 1985 to 1988, told BuzzFeed News, that he was shocked when he heard the shooter's name.

The friend, who did not wish to be named to protect his privacy, wrote a recommendation for Houser on his LinkedIn page, saying, "I saw David's integrity upon our meeting twenty seven years ago and have never suspected otherwise."

"Something like this doesn't make sense to me," the friend said. He said he hadn't seen Houser in more than 20 years but last spoke to him three years ago.

The friend said that Houser was from a "prominent family" in Columbus, GA., and that he had a brother who is a stock broker in Columbus.

He also said Houser was married when he was at Columbus State University, but did not know if he was still was.

The friend described Houser as "a very social person" who was into the "investment field."

"This is bizarre," the friend said. "He must have snapped."

This appears to be his LinkedIn page as the profile photo matches a photo that authorities held up during the press conference.

This appears to be his LinkedIn page as the profile photo matches a photo that authorities held up during the press conference.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates and follow BuzzFeed News on Twitter.


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from BuzzFeed - USNews http://ift.tt/1CZ9qT9

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