‘Voice’ singer fatally shot after concert
Singer Christina Grimmie, who finished third during season six of “The Voice,” died early Saturday after she was shot Friday night while signing autographs after a concert in Orlando, Fla. Police on Saturday said the suspect in Grimmie’s death fatally shot himself. Associated Press
A gunman who shot and killed a singer who rose to fame after appearing on “The Voice” traveled to Orlando specifically to attack her and then fatally shot himself, authorities said Saturday.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said at a news conference that the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Kevin Loibl of St. Petersburg, Florida, didn’t appear to know Christina Grimmie personally. Grimmie was shot to death after giving a concert in Orlando on Friday night. She died early Saturday.
“She was doing a meet-and-greet, just signing autographs and selling merchandise. This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her,” Mina said. “We believe he came here to commit this crime.”
The 22-year-old singer from New Jersey finished third during season six of NBC’s “The Voice” in 2014, competing on the team of Maroon 5 star Adam Levine. She began amassing a following on YouTube as a teenager with her powerful renditions of hit songs.
Police said Grimmie performed with the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live. The concert ended around 10 p.m., and Grimmie was shot as she signed autographs for fans.
Grimmie’s brother, Marcus, immediately tackled the gunman, who then shot and killed himself during the struggle, police said. They credited the Kevin James Loibl singer’s brother with preventing the gunman from hurting others.
Detectives were searching Loibl’s cellphone and social media accounts looking for a motive, Mina said, but weren’t aware of any history of stalking of Grimmie by the suspect.
At Loibl’s home in St. Petersburg, a note left on the door expressed “deepest sorrow” for Grimmie’s death. The note said there would be no other comment. No one answered the door.
Loibl had two handguns, two loaded magazines and a hunting knife, Mina said. Unarmed security guards checked bags and purses for contraband, but there were no metal detectors or pat-downs of people as they entered The Plaza Live, he said.
“The Voice” posted on its Twitter page: “There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice.”