21st Century

2023 — Aug 8, wildfires spurred on by hurricane Dora winds, Maui, esp. Lahaina, HI     —   100

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard 11-15-2023 for upload to: https://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–100 Blanchard tally from sources below noting 100 confirmed deaths.

—     115  AP. “The number of people missing…Maui wildfires has dropped to 66.” 9-9-2023.

—     115  Hawaii News Now. “New FBI-validated list…385 people unaccounted for…” 9-2-2023.

—     115  NPR. “In Maui, 850 people are still unaccounted for.” 8-21-2023, 11:37 PM.

—     114  CBS News. “Search for Maui wildfire victims continues as death toll rises to 114.” 8-19-2023.

—     111  CNN. “Death toll from Maui’s wildfires rises to 111…” 8-17-2023.

–98-108  Honolulu Civil Beat. “Maui Police Release Latest List of Missing People from Fires.” 10-6-2023.

                –98  fatalities

                        –93  identified and families notified

                        —  1  identified but family has not been located or notified

                –10  unaccounted for or missing

–106  CNN. At least 106 people were killed in Maui’s wildfires, officials say.” 8-16-2023, 1:21.

–100  AP. “Fatalities From Maui Wildfire Reach 100 After Death of Woman, 78, Injured…” 11-24-2023.

–100  County of Maui, Hawaii. “Identities of Maui Wildfire Disaster Victims.” 11-14-2023.

—  99  CNN. “At least 99 people were killed in Maui’s wildfires…” 8-15-2023, 12:38 PM.

—  99  AP/Star-Advertiser, Honolulu. “Lahaina fire death toll rises to 99; missing…down to 6…” 10-20-2023.

—  99  Star-Advertiser, Honolulu. “Lahaina fire missing list falls to 5; death toll remains 99.” 10-27-2023.

—  96  NBC News. “Maui fires live updates: Death toll from wildfires rises to 96…” 8-14-2023.

—  97  Reuters. “Death Toll from Hawaii Wildfires Drops to 97…” USnews.com. 9-15-2023.

—  93  AP. “As death toll from Maui wildfire reaches 93, effort to find a and identify…” 8-13-2023.

—  80  WP. “Maui death toll reaches 90 amid questions over emergency response.” 8-12-2023.

—  55  Hawaii News Now. “Death toll from Lahaina wildfire rises to 55…” 8-11-2023, 3:23 PM.

—  53  CNN. “The wildfires scorching Maui have killed at least 53 people…” 9-10-2023, 9:15.

—  36  CBS News. “How did the Maui fire start? What we know about…the Lahaina blaze.” 8-10-2023.

—  36  CNN. “Deadly wildfires burning across Maui prompt evacuations.” 8-10-2023.

—  36  The Weather Channel. “Live Updates: Maui Fires Kill At Least 36.” 8-10-2023.

 

Narrative Information

 

Aug 10, CBS News: “Deadly wildfires burning in Hawaii have forced evacuations and cut power to thousands, fueled by a mix of land and atmospheric conditions that can create “fire weather.” A massive blaze destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina, on Maui, sending some people running into the harbor seeking safety. At least 36 people were killed in the fires, Maui County said in a statement Wednesday night.

 

“The U.S. Coast Guard said crews had rescued 14 people jumped into the Lahaina harbor in an effort to escape the flames. On Front Street, a popular tourist destination, business owner Alan Dickar described seeing buildings on both sides of the street “engulfed” in flames, in comments to CBS Honolulu affiliate KGMB-TV. “There were no fire trucks at that point; I think the fire department was overwhelmed,” Dickar told the station. Speaking later to CBS News’ Patrick Torphy, he added: “Maui can’t handle this. … A lot of people just lost their jobs because a lot of businesses burned. A lot of people lost their homes. … This is going to be devastating for Maui.”

 

“Much of Hawaii was under a red flag warning for fire risk when the wildfires broke out, but the exact cause of the blaze is still unknown. “We don’t know what actually ignited the fires, but we were made aware in advance by the National Weather Service that we were in a red flag situation — so that’s dry conditions for a long time, so the fuel, the trees and everything, was dry,” Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, commander general of the Hawaii Army National Guard, said at Wednesday’s briefing. That, along with low humidity and high winds, “set the conditions for the wildfires,” he said.

 

“The powerful winds fanning the flames were generated by Hurricane Dora, a storm that was moving across the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian islands, the National Weather Service said. The hurricane, classified as a Category 4 by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Wednesday morning, contributed to heavy wind gusts above 60 miles per hour that tore through Maui, knocking out power lines and damaging homes.

 

“National Guard helicopters activated as part of the state’s emergency response to the wildfires were grounded as the wind gusts picked up on Tuesday evening.

 

“Maui Fire officials warned this week that “erratic wind, challenging terrain, steep slopes and dropping humidity, the direction and the location of the fire conditions make it difficult to predict path and speed of a wildfire,” in an alert issued Tuesday by county officials. It noted that “fires can start at a far distance from their source” when wind pushes embers upward and sparks are ignited downwind. “The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house,” said Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea in a statement included in the alert. “Burning airborne materials can light fires a great distance away from the main body of fire.”

 

“Fire was already widespread Tuesday night in Lahaina, which is in West Maui, the County of Maui tweeted, notifying people of road closures in the area. It was also affecting Kula, an inland Upcountry section of the island, on Wednesday. Crews were battling both brush fires and structure fires in West Maui and in Upcountry areas late Tuesday as people evacuated, the county said.” (CBS News. “How did the Maui fire start? What we know about the cause of the Lahaina blaze.” 8-10-2023.)

 

Aug 10, CNN: “At least 36 people have been killed in ‘unprecedented’ wildfires that are raging across the island of Maui, officials said Wednesday. President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration to provide more federal aid to Hawaii.

 

“More than 11,000 customers on Maui continue to grapple with power outages as the Hawaiian Electric Company deploys additional crews to help with restoration efforts.

 

“Most of the fires on Maui – fueled in part by violent winds associated with Hurricane Dora, churning hundreds of miles away – have not yet been contained, Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. Hawaii’s Big Island has also been impacted by wildfires….” (CNN. “Deadly wildfires burning across Maui prompt evacuations.” 8-10-2023.)

 

Aug 10, The Weather Channel: “At a Glance

 

“The Maui County government says at least 36 people have died.

 

“At least 271 buildings were damaged or destroyed, many in Lahaina.

 

“Many tourists were left stranded in the wake of the fires.

 

“Hurricane Dora is partly to blame for helping to kick up the strong winds.

 

“At least 36 people have died in wind-whipped wildfires that left complete devastation on the island of Maui in Hawaii.

 

“The fires, influenced in part by winds caused by Hurricane Dora far to the south, appear to have wiped out the historic town of Lahaina. More than 271 structures were damaged or destroyed, according to Maui…” (The Weather Channel. “Live Updates: Maui Fires Kill At Least 36.” 8-10-2023.)

 

Aug 10, 9:15pm CNN: “The catastrophic wildfires scorching Maui have killed at least 53 people, county officials said Thursday afternoon, as efforts to put out the flames that have burned on the Hawaiian island for three days continued….

 

“Gov. Josh Green…estimated that “upwards of 1,700 buildings” were destroyed.

 

“The 53 deaths thus far – reported by Maui County officials – appear to make the wildfire that torched the historic town of Lahaina the second deadliest blaze in the United States in a century. It trails only California’s Camp Fire, which killed 85 people in 2018….

 

“The fire was 80% contained by Thursday morning [Aug 10], local time, Maui County officials said in a news release….” (CNN. “The wildfires scorching Maui have killed at least 53 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings, officials say.” 9-10-2023, 9:15.)

 

Aug 13, AP: “Lahaina, Hawaii (AP) – As the death toll from a wildfire that razed a historic Maui town climbed to 93, authorities warned that the effort to find and identify the dead was still in its early stages. The blaze is already the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

 

“Crews with cadaver dogs have covered just 3% of the search area, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said Saturday. ‘We’ve got an area that we have to contain that is at least 5 square miles, and it is full of our loved ones,’ he said, noting that the number of dead is likely to grow and ‘none of us really know the size of it yet.’

 

“He spoke as federal emergency workers picked through the ashen moonscape left by the fire that razed the centuries-old town of Lahaina. Teams marked the ruins of homes with a bright orange “X” to indicate an initial search, and “HR” when they found human remains.” (Associated Press. “As death toll from Maui wildfire reaches 93, effort to find a and identify the dead is just beginning.” 8-13-2023.)

 

Aug 14, NBC News: “The National Weather Service had warned for days of high winds and a ‘critical’ and ‘dangerous fire weather scenario’ ahead of the wildfires that erupted on Hawaii.

 

“The most significant of the blazes, which exploded in Lahaina on Maui, ignited Tuesday, Aug 8.

 

“Nearly one week prior, on Aug. 2, the weather service office in Honolulu warned of dry conditions and potentially strong easterly trade winds as Hurricane Dora entered the central Pacific on a westward track. By Thursday, Aug. 3, the agency warned ‘critical fire weather conditions are… a real concern.’

 

“The next day, the office warned a Fire Weather Watch would soon be issued to highlight the threat as winds from Hurricane Dora were expected to come in as the Keetch Byram Drought Index was forecast to reach ‘the critical 600 mark’ and leeward relative humidity was forecast to fall below 45%. By Sunday, Aug. 6, the agency set a Fire Weather Watch in effect for Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 7-8, for leeward portions of the island, ‘where critical fire conditions are most likely to develop.’

 

“The agency warned that Sunday that ‘along with strong winds, very dry air will also be moving into the region, creating significant fire weather concerns as well.’

 

“By Aug. 7, a High Wind Warning and a Red Flag warning – meaning the potential for extreme fire behavior was possible – were in place.

 

“The fire in Lahaina broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 8.

 

“As blazes burned in different areas of Maui on Tuesday, the Red Flag Warning was extended to 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday due to the continued dry conditions, low humidity, and strong and gusty easterly winds.” (NBC News. “Maui fires live updates: Death toll from wildfires rises to 96…” 8-14-2023.)

 

Aug 14, Washington Post: “The death toll from Maui’s wildfires, now at 96, is expected to rise as specialist search teams comb through the scorched ruins for human remains, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) said in a video update. ‘They will find 10 to 20 people per day probably, until they finish,’ Green told CBS News. ‘And it’s probably going to take 10 days.’ He added that it’s impossible to guess the final death count….

 

“The fire that overcame Lahaina spread at a rate of “one mile every minute,” Green said, propelled by wind gusts of up to 81 mph and inflicting an estimated $5.6 billion worth of damage.

 

“The Maui blaze was 85 percent contained by Sunday night local time, according to officials. Survivors recounted how they were overcome by the fire’s speed, blinding smoke and lack of escape routes out of Lahaina.

 

“Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said the identification of remains will take time because of the severe damage sustained by the bodies. He asked those who are missing their loved ones to submit DNA samples.

 

“FEMA has begun providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance for survivors in Maui whose homes were damaged or destroyed, FEMA spokesman Jeremy Greenberg said Monday during a news conference. The program provides shelter in hotels or motels for a limited time, at no expense for survivors. Separately, the Red Cross is sheltering about 575 survivors across five facilities.

 

“The Maui blaze ‘quickly outpaced’ all efforts to suppress it in its early hours last week during sustained winds, officials said at a news conference Monday morning….

 

“During her Monday afternoon [Aug 14] news conference, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell did not state how many people in Maui are still missing. Earlier, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) told CBS that the number of missing has fallen from “the 2,000s to about 1,300,” but since then officials have not provided an update on the number of people missing….” (Washington Post. “Maui death toll likely to grow over 10 days; residents criticize evacuation plan.” 8-14-2023.)

 

Aug 15, CNN: “With only a quarter of the Maui wildfire burn area searched, the death toll of what’s already the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century still could rise significantly, Hawaii authorities said Monday. At least 99 people have been confirmed dead from the wildfires, and the number could double over the next 10 days, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told CNN Monday….

 

“Most of the people found dead had been out in the open, in cars or in the water in western Maui’s hard-hit Lahaina area, Green told CNN….” (CNN. “At least 99 people were killed in Maui’s wildfires.” 8-15-2023, 12:38 PM.)

 

Aug 16, 1:21 AM EDT, CNN: “The death toll in the Maui wildfires has risen to 106, Maui County officials said Tuesday [Aug 15], a week after the flames started sweeping through parts of the Hawaiian island…. Authorities had gone through about a third of the search area as of Tuesday; the county put the figure at 32% while Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told CNN Tuesday it was 27%….

 

“Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said in a Monday news conference that he hopes searchers will have covered 85% to 90% by the weekend….” (CNN. At least 106 people were killed in Maui’s wildfires, officials say.” 8-16-2023, 1:21 AM EDT.)

 

Aug 17, 7:25 PM EDT, CNN: “The search for victims isn’t even halfway over, but the devastation wrought by Maui’s wildfires already defies imagination as scrutiny mounts over the cause – and the officials’ response. At least 111 people – including children – were killed in last week’s catastrophe. And the tragedy is expected to intensify, with most of the burn zone still left to search, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said Wednesday [16th]….The number of residents unaccounted for is “probably still over 1,000,” Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told CNN on Wednesday….

 

“Hawaii has one of the largest siren warning systems in the world, but the 80 alarms on Maui stayed silent as flames spread. The sirens are primarily used to warn when a tsunami is approaching the area, and if they had sounded, many residents would’ve gone to the mountainside, where the fire was at its worst, Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya told reporters….” (CNN. “Death toll from Maui’s wildfires rises to 111 – with possibly 1,000 still missing – as tensions escalate over the cause and response.” 8-17-2023, 7:25 PM EDT.)

 

Aug 21, NPR: MAUI, Hawaii — Some 850 people are still unaccounted for after wildfires destroyed Lahaina and other parts of Maui earlier this month. The news comes as the FBI works with the Maui Police Department to find possible matches between DNA submitted by loved ones and samples taken from bodies recovered at the scene. “There is positive news in this number, because when this process began, the missing person list contained over 2,000 names,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said via Instagram. “Through the tireless work of the FBI and the Maui Police Department, over 1,285 individuals have been located safe,” he added.

 

“The Maui Police Department said Monday [21st] that it has identified 35 of the 115 people who are known so far to have perished. Of that number, 13 families have been located and notified, nearly two weeks after wildfires propelled by Hurricane Dora’s winds struck Lahaina and other areas….” (NPR. “In Maui, 850 people are still unaccounted for.” 8-21-2023, 11:37 PM.)

 

Sep 2, Hawaii News Now: “HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The FBI’s validated list of people who remain unaccounted for following the Lahaina wildfire now includes 385 individuals, authorities announced Friday night [Sep 1]. Officials said after releasing the full list of validated names, some 245 people were removed – either because they were reportedly found safe or confirmed to have perished. Of that first FBI-generated list, 122 remain unaccounted for. But authorities have also added to the list with new reports, bringing the number back up.

 

“The FBI-validated list is in addition to lists compiled by other organizations, which counted the missing at more than 1,000. The FBI list, however, only includes people for whom authorities have a first and last name and contact information for the person who reported the missing persons case.

 

“Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said in a video statement that a new FBI-validated list will be released each Friday….

 

“The new list comes as the death toll from the ferocious blaze stands at 115. Of those, 55 have been identified — many with the help of DNA technology.

 

“Authorities have declined to predict what the final toll will be because of continued uncertainty around how many of the missing simply haven’t been able to check in with loved ones. But as the four-week mark of the disaster nears, authorities acknowledge the number of deaths will rise. New fatalities will almost certainly include people who are presumed to have perished but whose remains haven’t been recovered. Specialized teams have completed the work of searching for remains in Lahaina, which has allowed EPA workers collecting toxic materials to move in.” (Hawaii News Now. “New FBI-validated list includes names of 385 people unaccounted for…” 9-2-2023.)

 

Sep 9, AP: “Honolulu – One month after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century leveled the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Friday that the number of missing has dropped to 66, the confirmed death toll remains at 115 and authorities will soon escort residents on visits to their property…

 

“The Aug. 8 fire started in the hills above the historic oceanfront town. Within hours it spread through single-family homes and apartment buildings, quaint city streets, art galleries and restaurants, destroying more than 2,000 structures. Dozens of people fled to the ocean seeking refuge from the flames. The blaze is estimated to have caused $5.5 billion in damage.

 

“The new tally of 66 people still missing represents a significant drop from a week earlier, when authorities said 385 remained unaccounted for. So far, Maui police have released the names of 55 of the dead. Of those, 22 were in their 70s, with another 13 in their 60s. There was one listed victim under the age of 10.

 

“With about half the deceased still unidentified, Green said he expected there to be significant overlap between the names on the missing list and remains that have already been recovered. Therefore, he said, he did not expect the death toll to rise considerably.

 

“The Maui Police Department said Friday that in addition to the 66 people listed by the FBI as unaccounted for, there are 80 additional names of potentially missing people that the agency is vetting for credibility. In those cases, no information was provided for the reporting party or the reporting party was not available to provide further details.

 

“Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said she would use her subpoena powers, if necessary, to compel cooperation from state and county employees as her office probes the wildfire and will get answers so there are “guardrails in place for the future so it doesn’t happen again.”

 

“Green said some state employees have been asked to go to Washington, D.C., to testify at congressional hearings on the wildfire, including Hawaii’s director of energy and some Public Utility Commission personnel…

 

“Green and Maui County officials have come under criticism for not being ready for the wildfire and for a chaotic and disorganized response. The danger of wildfires wasn’t top of mind in the islands, Green said, when pressed about whether Hawaii should have been more prepared. “Should we have invested more in fire prevention? Of course, of course. But we’d never had a fire of this consequence,” Green said. Instead, he said, people have been more focused on more commonly occurring tragedies such as car accidents or drug overdoses.

 

“The governor suggested lawsuits filed against various state and county entities have prevented those in positions of authority from speaking out more. “I can’t speak to when people will apologize for this tragedy. I’m heartbroken, and I will tell you and anyone out there, ‘I’m so sorry you went through this.’ Of course. I’m just one person,” he said….” (Associated Press. “The number of people missing following devastating Maui wildfires has dropped to 66.” NPR, 9-9-2023.)

 

Sep 15, Reuters: “(Reuters) – The death toll from last month’s wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui has dropped to 97 and the number of missing is now 31, Hawaii Governor Josh Green told CNN in an interview on Friday. “The number of fatalities has actually dropped from what was projected to be 115, it’s now at 97 because the anthropologists have been able to do a more thorough analysis,” Green said.” (Reuters. “Death Toll from Hawaii Wildfires Drops to 97…” Usnews.com. 9-15-2023.)

 

Oct 20, AP/Star Advertiser, Honolulu: “Lahaina. The death toll for the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century has increased by one, to 99, after Maui County police found additional remains last week. The remains were recovered on Oct. 12 in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, according to county officials. However they said at the time that they did not know if the remains were from someone who had previously been identified as a fire fatality. An autopsy and forensic examination verified that they were not from a previously recovered individual, officials said today.

 

“So far police have identified the remains of 97 people from the Aug. 8 fire that wiped out much of Lahaina, a historic town on Maui’s west coast. The remains of two people have yet to be identified…. Maui County officials today also released the updated MPD-FBI “credible list of unaccounted for/missing individuals” from the wildfire with the names of six people, down one from a week ago.” (Associated Press/Star-Advertiser, Honolulu. “Lahaina fire death toll rises to 99; missing list down to 6 names.” 10-20-2023.)

 

Oct 27: “Maui County said today that the official list of missing people from the Lahaina wildfire now stands at five, while the county’s official death toll remains 99. The Maui Police Department released the updated MPD-FBI “credible list of unaccounted for/missing individuals” today with one fewer name than last week.

 

“The first FBI-MPD unaccounted-for list on Aug. 24 had 388 names. Since then, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier has said only those people who have a formal missing-person report filed with MPD will be included on the list.

 

“Today’s missing list was the 10th released since Aug. 24….Today’s FBI-MPD list of five missing people, including a reference ID number, includes:

 

Artur Babkov, 27911

Lydia Coloma, 27924

Paul Kaspryzycki, 27896

Robert H. Owens, 27899

Elmer Lee Stevens, 27897

 

“The same five people were listed as missing last week. County officials offered no immediate explanation why the name of Lee Rogo was removed from the list released Oct. 20.

 

“The county did not release any new identifications of fire fatalities today, and said the official death toll stands at 99. Of those, 97 victims have been publicly identified and their families notified; one has been identified but their family has not been located or notified; and one remains unidentified, county officials said.” (Star-Advertiser, Honolulu. “Lahaina fire missing list falls to 5; death toll remains 99.” 10-27-2023.)

 

Nov 14, AP: “Honolulu (AP) – The death toll from the wildfire that devastated the historic Maui town of Lahaina last summer has risen to 100 after a 78-year-old woman injured in the disaster died last month, officials said Tuesday. The victim was among those who had been flown to Oahu after the Aug. 8 wildfire… Maui police spokesperson Alana Pico said in an email. He woman died Oct. 16, according to the Honolulu medical examiner’s office.

 

“Authorities have identified 99 victims in a process that has proved long and complicated. Forensic experts and cadaver dogs sifted through ash searching for bodies that were possibly cremated, and authorities collected DNA samples from victims’ family members. The youngest victim was 7 and the oldest was 97. Several were residents of a low-income senior apartment complex. Of the victims, 44 were 70 or older..” (Associated Press. “Fatalities From Maui Wildfire Reach 100 After Death of Woman, 78, Injured in the Disaster.” U.S. News & World Report, 11-24-2023.)

 

Nov 14, County of Maui: “….As of today, November 14, 2023, we can confirm the following individual has been identified and next of kin notified: 1. Sharlene Rabang (78) of Lahaina

 

“….Moving forward, this will be the final daily issuance regarding the identities of Maui wildfire disaster victims, and current statistics.  A release will be issued if there are any further updates.

 

“At the time of this release, the current statistics stand at:

           

            Total estimated fatalities: 100

Individuals identified, the family notified: 99

            Individuals identified, family not located/notified: Zero.”

 

(County of Maui, Hawaii. “Identities of Maui Wildfire Disaster Victims.” 11-14-2023.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “As death toll from Maui wildfire reaches 93, effort to find a and identify the dead is just beginning.” 8-13-2023. Accessed 8-13-2023 at: https://apnews.com/article/maui-hawaii-lahaina-deadliest-wildfire-fb2ebf6cd39c149a582b82eed6ac3930

 

Associated Press. “Fatalities From Maui Wildfire Reach 100 After Death of Woman, 78, Injured in the Disaster.” U.S. News & World Report, 11-24-2023. Accessed 11-15-2023 at: https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2023-11-14/fatalities-from-maui-wildfire-reach-100-after-death-of-woman-78-injured-in-the-disaster

 

Associated Press/Star-Advertiser, Honolulu. “Lahaina fire death toll rises to 99; missing list down to 6 names.” 10-20-2023. Accessed 10-26-2023 at: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/10/20/breaking-news/lahaina-wildfire-death-toll-rises-to-99-after-additional-remains-found/

 

Associated Press. “The number of people missing following devastating Maui wildfires has dropped to 66.” NPR, 9-9-2023, Accessed 9-9-2023 at: https://www.npr.org/2023/09/09/1198617219/number-people-missing-maui-wildfires-drops-66

 

CBS News. “How did the Maui fire start? What we know about the cause of the Lahaina blaze.” 8-10-2023. Accessed 8-10-2023 at:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-did-maui-fire-start-cause-lahaina-hawaii-wildfire/

 

CBS News. “Search for Maui wildfire victims continues as death toll rises to 114.” 8-19-2023. Accessed 8-19-2023 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/search-maui-wildfire-victims-intensifies-lahaina-death-toll-rises/

 

CNN. “At least 99 people were killed in Maui’s wildfires. With only 25% of the burn area searched, officials worry the death toll will climb.” 8-15-2023, 12:38 PM. Accessed 8-15-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/15/us/hawaii-maui-wildfires-death-toll-tuesday/index.html

 

CNN. At least 106 people were killed in Maui’s wildfires, officials say.” 8-16-2023, 1:21 AM EDT. Accessed 8-16-2023 at:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/15/us/hawaii-maui-wildfires-death-toll-tuesday/index.html

 

CNN. “Deadly wildfires burning across Maui prompt evacuations.” 8-10-2023. Accessed 8-10-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/maui-wildfires-08-10-23/index.html

 

CNN. “Death toll from Maui’s wildfires rises to 111 – with possibly 1,000 still missing – as tensions escalate over the cause and response.” 8-17-2023, 7:25 PM EDT. Accessed 8-17-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/17/us/hawaii-maui-wildfires-death-toll-thursday/index.html

 

CNN. “The wildfires scorching Maui have killed at least 53 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings, officials say.” 9-10-2023, 9:15. Accessed 8-10-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/10/us/maui-wildfires-hurricane-dora-thursday/index.html

 

County of Maui, Hawaii. “Identities of Maui Wildfire Disaster Victims.” MPD Press Release. 11-14-2023. Accessed 11-15-2023 at: https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=13034

 

Hawaii News Now. “Death toll from Lahaina wildfire rises to 55…” 8-10-2023, 3:23 PM EDT. Accessed 8-11-2023 at: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/08/10/tested-like-never-before-death-toll-maui-wildfires-soars-36-is-feared-grow/

 

Hawaii News Now. “New FBI-validated list includes names of 385 people unaccounted for…” 9-2-2023. Accessed 9-2-2023 at: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/09/02/new-fbi-validated-list-those-unaccounted-after-lahaina-wildfire-includes-385-names/

 

Honolulu Civil Beat (Chad Blair). “Maui Police Release Latest List of Missing People from Fires.” 10-6-2023. Accessed 10-9-2023 at:

Maui Police Release Latest List Of Missing People From Fires

 

NBC News. “Maui fires live updates: Death toll from wildfires rises to 96…” 8-14-2023. Accessed 8-14-2023 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/maui-fires-live-updates-death-toll-rises-search-missing-rcna99722

 

NPR. “In Maui, 850 people are still unaccounted for.” 8-21-2023, 11:37 PM. Accessed 8-22-2023 at: https://www.npr.org/2023/08/21/1195076882/in-maui-850-people-are-still-unaccounted-for

 

Reuters (Eric Beech) “Death Toll from Hawaii Wildfires Drops to 97, Missing is Now at 31 – Hawaii Governor.” USnews.com. 9-15-2023. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-09-15/death-toll-from-hawaii-wildfires-drops-to-97-missing-is-now-at-31-hawaii-governor

 

Star-Advertiser, Honolulu. “Lahaina fire missing list falls to 5; death toll remains 99.” 10-27-2023. Accessed 10-27-2023 at: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/10/27/breaking-news/lahaina-fire-missing-list-falls-to-5-death-toll-remains-99/

 

The Weather Channel. “Live Updates: Maui Fires Kill At Least 36.” 8-10-2023. Accessed 8-10-2023 at: https://weather.com/news/news/2023-08-10-maui-fires-lahaina-hawaii

 

Washington Post. “Maui death toll likely to grow over 10 days; residents criticize evacuation plan.” 8-14-2023. Accessed 8-14-2023 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/14/maui-wildfires-hawaii-death-toll-lahaina/

 

Washington Post. “Maui death toll reaches 90 amid questions over emergency response.” 8-12-2023. Accessed 8-12-2023 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/08/12/maui-fire-hawaii-wildfire-death-toll-lahaina/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 — May 7, SUV driven into 18 migrant pedestrians at a bus-stop, Brownsville, TX– 8

–8 ABC News. “8 killed after car plows into 18 pedestrians in Brownsville, Texas…” 5-9-2023.
–8 CNN. “Driver in fatal crash outside Texas migrant shelter charged with 8 counts of manslaughter…” 5-8-2023.

Narrative Information

May 8, ABC News: “A driver is facing manslaughter charges after he allegedly plowed his car into 18 pedestrians at a Brownsville, Texas, bus stop [outside a migrant shelter], killing eight and injuring 10 others. The crash occurred at 8:29 a.m. Sunday near the Ozanam Center, according to Brownsville police. Some of the victims struck by the gray Range Rover were migrants under the care of Border Patrol, according to Brownsville police spokesman Martin Sandoval. Some were from Venezuela and all of the victims were males, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said.

“The SUV ran a red light, lost control and flipped on its side, Sauceda said at a news conference Monday. The driver, 34-year-old George Alvarez, allegedly tried to flee the scene but was stopped by others, the chief said. Alvarez, who has an “extensive rap sheet,” is in custody on charges including eight counts of manslaughter, Sauceda said. Alvarez appeared in court Monday; bond was set at a total of $3.6 million.

“The FBI is working to determine if the crash was an intentional act and, if so, whether there was a domestic violent extremist motive behind it, law enforcement sources told ABC News on Sunday. The FBI is supporting local and state investigators, and is not the lead agency in the investigation…. Federal and local investigators have scrubbed through the suspect’s social media and say it has “come back clean,” according to sources….”

[A “George Alvarez Criminal History” poster is shown in the article. It includes:

2 Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon
1 Assault against Elderly or Disabled
4 Assault Causing Bodily Injury to a Family Member
1 Assault of Public Servant
2 Burglary of a vehicle
1 Assault Causing Bodily Injury
2 Criminal Mischief
1 Driving While Intoxicated
1 Evading Arrest Cetention
1 Interference with Public Duties
1 Obstruction or Retaliation
1 Possession of Marijuana <2oz 3 Resisting Arrest Search or Transport 1 Theft of Property >$50 <$500.” (ABC News. “8 killed after car plows into 18 pedestrians in Brownsville, Texas; alleged driver charged.” 5-9-2023.) May 8, CNN: “The man who drove a vehicle into a group of people near a migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas, on Sunday, killing eight and injuring 10 more, has been charged with eight counts of manslaughter, Brownsville Police chief Felix Sauceda said Monday… as well as 10 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and his bond was set at $3.6 million, the chief said. Police said they are still investigating the cause of the crash….” (CNN. “Driver in fatal crash outside Texas migrant shelter charged with 8 counts of manslaughter…” 5-8-2023.) May 15, KHOU 11, Houston: “Brownsville, Texas – New details on a crash in Brownsville that killed eight people and injured 10 more have been revealed in an arrest warrant. The warrant states that George Alvarez, 34, was "obviously intoxicated" when his SUB plowed through a group of 18 migrants outside of a shelter. He also told officers that the migrants got in his way, according to the warrant. The details were revealed as Brownsville police continue to investigate if the crash was intentional. “Three survivors returned home last week while others were still being treated at the hospital. All of the victims were men that appeared to be from Venezuela, according to investigators. “Authorities said Alvarez is a Brownsville native with a lengthy criminal history. Video from the crash scene showed witnesses holding down Alvarez after they said he tried to run before police showed up. “Authorities also said Brownsville has been a hotspot for Venezuelan migrants over the last few weeks. More than 66% of the migrants in custody were from Venezuela, and the surge in migrants led to an extension in the city's declaration of emergency. “Alvarez was held in jail on a $3.6 million bond.” (KHOU 11, Houston, TX. “‘Got in my way’ – New details about the man accused of killing 8 people in Brownsville.” 5-15-2023.) Sources ABC News. “8 killed after car plows into 18 pedestrians in Brownsville, Texas; alleged driver charged.” 5-9-2023. Accessed 5-8-2023 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/7-dead-after-car-runs-pedestrians-brownsville-texas/story?id=99152817 CNN. “Driver in fatal crash outside Texas migrant shelter charged with 8 counts of manslaughter, police say.” 5-8-2023. Accessed 5-11-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/08/us/brownsville-texas-car-crash-monday/index.html KHOU 11, Houston, TX. “‘Got in my way’ – New details about the man accused of killing 8 people in Brownsville.” 5-15-2023. Accessed 5-18-2023 at: https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/texas-border-crash-update/285-d47c0088-b678-4e78-a8f3-6fa5893ec714

2023 — May 6, mass shooting, Allen Premium Outlets Mall, Allen, TX (includes gunman)–9

–9 CNN. “At least 8 killed, 7 wounded in shooting at Texas outlet mall.” 5-7-2023.
–9 Dallas Morning News. “Here’s everything we know…about the Allen mall shooting.” 5-10-2023.
–9 NBC News. “What we know about the slain Texas mall massacre suspect.” 5-7-2023.
–9 NYT. “At Least 9 Dead, Including Gunman, in Shooting at Texas Mall.” 5-7-2023.

Narrative Information

May 7, CNN: “Eight people were killed and at least seven others wounded when a gunman opened fire at an Allen, Texas, outlet mall Saturday afternoon, according to local officials. The gunman was tracked down and killed b a police officer who was already at the mall for another call, the city’s police chief said.

“The shooter has been identified as a 33-year-old man, a law enforcement source tells CNN. In addition to an AR-15 style rifle, he had at least one other weapon on his person, and more in his car, according to the source.

“Victims in the attack range in age from 5 to 61 years old. Several remain hospitalized in the Dallas area.

“Mauricio Garcia — the 33-year-old who has been identified as the gunman in the Allen, Texas, outlet mall shooting, according to a senior law enforcement source — received firearms training for part of his work as a security officer, according to an official database.

“Garcia was approved to work as a commissioned security guard in Texas from April 2016 until April 2020, when his license expired, according to the Texas Online Private Security database, maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. His profile shows he worked for at least three security companies. None of those companies immediately responded to requests for comment. According to the database, Garcia received Level II and Level III security training. The former covers security laws in Texas; the latter, which is required for all commissioned security officers in Texas, includes firearm training and the demonstration of firearm proficiency, according to Jonah Nathan, vice president of Ranger Guard, a security guard service in Texas not affiliated with Garcia’s employers. n 2018, Garcia also completed a separate firearms proficiency training course, which requires six hours of continuing education, according to the Texas DPS database.

“Private security guards in Texas undergo background checks and are disqualified if they have committed certain crimes, such as assault, burglary or sexual offenses, among others, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and state codes. They are also disqualified if they have been dishonorably discharged from the US military; have been found incompetent by a court of law; or have been required to register as a sex offender. It’s unclear why Garcia’s license expired.

“A police officer killed the gunman outside the outlet mall after he carried out the massacre Saturday, according to the Allen police chief. The shooting left at least eight people dead and seven others wounded….” (CNN. “At least 8 killed, 7 wounded in shooting at Texas outlet mall.” 5-7-2023.)

May 7, NBC News: “Dallas, Texas – The gunman who killed at least eight people and wounded a half-dozen more at a Dallas-area outlet mall was identified Sunday as a 33-year-old suspected neo-Nazi sympathizer named Mauricio Garcia, two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News. Garcia was killed after the outbreak of deadly violence Saturday by a police officer who happened to be at the Allen Premium Outlets, some 25 miles north of Dallas, police said.

“Garcia, who lived in Dallas, had a tactical vest and was armed with a rifle of some kind as well as a handgun, one of the senior law enforcement officials said. ore weapons and ammunition was found in his car, the source said. Also, the law enforcement officials said, Garcia had several social media accounts and appeared to be drawn to neo-Nazi and white supremacist content. He was also wearing, when he was killed, a patch on his chest with a right-wing acronym….” (NBC News. “What we know about the slain Texas mall massacre suspect.” 5-7-2023.)

May 10, Dallas News: “Four days have passed since a gunman opened fire at an outdoor mall in Allen, Texas. Eight people were killed. Seven were wounded.

“Over 1,000 people found themselves at or near the mall when the shooting took place, many eventually being escorted away from the property by law enforcement and having to return later to retrieve their vehicles.

“Here’s everything we know — and everything we don’t — about the attack:

“The eight were identified as:

Cho Kyu Song, 37;
Kang Shin Young, 35;
James Cho, 3;
Daniela Mendoza, 11;
Sofia Mendoza, 8;
Christian LaCour, 20;
Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32; and
Aishwarya Thatikonda, 26.

“Law enforcement Tuesday credited LaCour, a mall security guard, for escorting one person to safety before he was killed trying to help others.

“What we don’t know: The names of the wounded victims have not been released by officials. As of Wednesday morning, one patient is in critical condition, two are in fair condition and three are in good condition, according to Medical City Healthcare….

“The shooter, who was killed at the scene by an Allen police officer, was identified as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia. He was terminated from the U.S. Army in 2008 and did not complete initial training, officials said, but was not on law enforcement radar before the shooting. Social media posts, apparently linked to the shooter, espoused an obsession with violence and extremist ideology….

“Officials said Tuesday they have not determined the gunman’s motive, which is the focus of the investigation….

“The attack lasted 3-4 minutes….

“Video footage taken from an in-car dashboard camera shows the gunman exiting a vehicle in the parking lot of the mall. Leaving the driver door open, the gunman began shooting at shoppers in view.

“The gunman brought eight weapons to the scene, and all of them were purchased legally, officials said Tuesday. Authorities found three weapons on the gunman and five in his vehicle….The gunman…posted photographs of a Glock 48 semi-automatic handgun and a Benelli M4 semi-automatic shotgun as well as multiple boxes of ammunition. His apparent posts on a Russian social media platform showed his desire to buy certain guns, including an AK-47-style assault rifle.

“An owner for an Arizona-based body armor manufacturer, Spartan Armor System, told The News that Garcia purchased several items in 2020 including a steel armored plate. The gunman posted a photo of the sales receipt, which indicates his order included ‘trauma pads’ and ‘side plates.’ Garcia also bought items at GT distributors, a gun and tactical gear store in northeast Dallas, and he ordered a rare rifle and two handguns from a Garland gun store. The owner of the store, Targetmaster, said the guns were on back order and difficult to get and after two years of waiting, Garcia requested the return of his deposit.

“…While we have evidence of the type of guns Garcia had purchased, authorities have not identified those used in the shooting or how he acquired them — whether he bought them online, at a gun show or from a licensed firearms dealer.” (Dallas Morning News. “Here’s everything we know – and everything we don’t – about the Allen mall shooting.” 5-10-2023.)

Sources

CNN. “At least 8 killed, 7 wounded in shooting at Texas outlet mall.” 5-7-2023. Accessed 5-7-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/allen-texas-mall-shooting-news-05-07-23/index.html

Dallas Morning News. “Here’s everything we know – and everything we don’t – about the Allen mall shooting.” 5-10-2023. Accessed 5-11-2023 at: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2023/05/10/heres-everything-we-know-and-everything-we-dont-about-the-allen-mall-shooting/

NBC News. “What we know about the slain Texas mall massacre suspect.” 5-7-2023. Accessed 5-7-2023 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mauricio-garcia-allen-texas-mall-shooting-suspect-what-know-rcna83242

New York Times. “At Least 9 Dead, Including Gunman, in Shooting at Texas Mall.” 5-7-2023. Accessed 5-7-2023 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/06/us/allen-mall-texas-shooting.html

2023 – May 1, vehicular pileup in farm dust in high wind, I-55 north of Farmersville, IL– 6

–6 NBC News. “6 dead, dozens hospitalized after blinding dust storm in Illinois…pileups.” 5-1-2023.
–6 NBC 5 Chicago. “‘Beyond Unreal’: Cleanup Continues After Dust Storm…” 5-2-2023.

Narrative Information

May 1, NBC News: “Six people were confirmed dead in a series of highway collisions Monday in rural Illinois that were blamed on a blinding dust storm, authorities said. More than 30 people, ages 2 to 80, were hospitalized with injuries from minor to life-threatening, Illinois State Police Maj. Ryan Starrick said at an early evening news conference.

“The collisions, which involved as many as 90 vehicles on Interstate 55 north of Farmersville just before 11 a.m., included separate pileups on the northbound and southbound sides, state police said. “The cause of the crash is due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway leading to zero visibility,” Starrick said. Involved in the collisions were two big rigs that had been on fire, roughly 28 other commercial vehicles and as many as 60 passenger vehicles, Starrick said.

“The first pileup was reported on the northbound side of the interstate, which runs through farm country. Starrick said topsoil and dust from the farms were blown across the roadway. “This is not uncommon,” Starrick said. “This has happened before in various parts of the state of Illinois.” However, he said, the number of vehicles and casualties was unusual. A Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency official said at the news conference that it was difficult to reach the injured because some vehicles were on fire when first responders arrived.

“The National Weather Service on Monday forecast “widespread blowing dust,” with gusts of 34 mph possible, for the Farmersville area. Winds were out of the northwest, federal forecasters said.

“State police said visibility continued to be low. The interstate was closed in both directions north of Farmersville, a small village along a defunct stretch of Route 66, as investigators tried to reconstruct some of the timeline and conduct a secondary search for victims….” (NBC News (Dennis Romero) “6 dead, dozens hospitalized after blinding dust storm in Illinois caused multiple highway pileups.” 5-1-2023.)

May 2, NBC 5 Chicago: “Interstate 55 in South-Central Illinois remains closed and a massive clean-up is still underway after a rare dust storm Monday caused a horrific and deadly chain reaction of more than 70 cars and semi-trucks. According to officials, 72 vehicles were involved in the pile-up, which took place Monday morning on two mile stretch of I-55 between Divernon and Farmersville in downstate Illinois.

“Six people were killed in the crash, and more than 30 others were injured. According to the Illinois State Police, one of the victims killed has been identified as Shirley Harper, 88, of Franklin, Wisconsin. In an update Tuesday, the ISP said the Montgomery County Coroner’s office is “working diligently to identify the five other individuals killed in the crash and notify their families.”…” (NBC 5 Chicago. “‘Beyond Unreal’: Cleanup Continues After Dust Storm Causes Deadly Chain Reaction on I-55.” 5-2-2023.)

Sources

NBC News (Dennis Romero) “6 dead, dozens hospitalized after blinding dust storm in Illinois caused multiple highway pileups.” 5-1-2023. Accessed 5-1-2023 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/blinding-dust-storm-illinois-leads-multiple-fatalities-dozens-hospital-rcna82327

NBC 5 Chicago. “‘Beyond Unreal’: Cleanup Continues After Dust Storm Causes Deadly Chain Reaction on I-55.” 5-2-2023. Accessed 5-3-2023 at: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-dust-storm-crash-divernon-farmsville-cleanup-i-55-closed/3131813/

2023 — April 10, workplace mass shooting, Old National Bank, Louisville, KY — 5

–5 CNN. “Louisville shooter left notes revealing part of his goal was to show how easily a
mentally ill person can buy a gun in the US, sources say.” 4-20-2023.
–5 CNN. “The latest on the Louisville bank shooting.” 4-11-2023.
–5 USA Today. “Louisville shooter left a note, was suicidal before killing 5 at bank: What we
know about gunman, motive.” 4-10-2023, updated 4-11-2023.

Narrative Information

April 11, CNN: “Police continue to investigate what led up to a mass shooting at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky, that left at least five people dead and multiple others injured, including a police officer [Nickolas Wilt] who is still in critical condition. Police have released bodycam footage showing the police confrontation with the gunman [Connor Sturgeon, 25 in the bank.

“The shooter, identified as a 25-year-old male bank employee, was live streaming the attack online and was killed in a police shootout, officials said. Police said they will release body camera footage of the shooting this afternoon.

“Police said the shooter used an AR-15-style weapon that was purchased locally and legally six days ago. The AR-15 and its offshoots have been used in several recent mass shootings, including the Nashville shooting just two weeks ago….

“Timeline: The entire incident lasted about 9 minutes, Louisville Metro Police Department Lt. Col. Aaron Crowell said. The shooting began just after 8:30 a.m. — about 30 minutes before the bank opens to the public, police said. It happened during a morning employee meeting, with some appearing in person and others virtually, according to a manager at the bank. The shooter fired his weapon for about a minute and then appeared to wait a minute and a half before police arrived, according to a city official. When officers got there, they shot and killed the gunman, said Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, the interim chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department….

“Dispatcher audio: A Louisville Metro Police dispatcher said in an audio that the gunman had left a voicemail saying he was going to kill everyone at the bank. “He’s texted a friend, called a friend, left a voicemail saying he’s gonna kill everyone at the bank. Feeling suicidal,” the dispatcher said, according to Broadcastify audio.

“Victims: The five victims were identified as Joshua Barrick, 40; Juliana Farmer, 45; Tommy Elliott, 63; James Tutt, 64, and Deana Eckert, 57.

“Hospital response: Dr. Jason Smith, the chief medical officer, said his hospital used 170 units of blood on Monday to treat victims from the bank shooting. He credited the Red Cross and blood donations with saving lives….

“The Louisville Metro Police Department has opened two separate investigations following Monday’s shooting at Old National Bank — one under the purview of homicide and another under the scope of its Public Integrity Unit, a police official said….

“How the events unfolded: The shooting began around 8:30 a.m. ET, police said, about 30 minutes before the bank opens to the public. Bank staff were holding their morning meeting in a conference room when the shooter opened fire, bank manager Rebecca Buchheit-Sims said….”
(CNN. “The latest on the Louisville bank shooting.” 4-11-2023.)

April 11, USA Today: “According to his LinkedIn profile, which was taken down after the shooting, Sturgeon was a summer intern at the bank starting in 2018, and graduated from the University of Alabama, where he got both bachelor’s and master’s degrees by the end of 2020….

“He started working fulltime for Old National Bank in June 2021, and was most recently a syndications associate and portfolio banker, according to his LinkedIn profile….

“Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg…. told reporters Tuesday he was not aware of Sturgeon being given any notice of potentially being fired ahead of the shooting.

“…in a 2018 college essay at the University of Alabama, Sturgeon wrote, “My self-esteem has long been a problem for me” and as a “late bloomer in middle and high school, I struggled to a certain extent to fit in, and this has given me a somewhat negative self-image that persists today.”

April 20, CNN: “(CNN) The shooter who killed five co-workers at a Louisville, Kentucky, bank this month left two very extensive notes – one in his home and one found on him after police killed him in a shootout, according to two law enforcement sources. The notes reveal that part of the shooter’s goal was to show how easy it was in America for someone dealing with a serious mental illness to buy an assault-style weapon, the sources said. The gunman purchased the AR-15-style rifle seven days before the April 10 shooting and under Kentucky law he was only required to fill out a form for the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and to undergo an FBI records check to ensure he was not a felon or the subject of a court-imposed restraining order….” (USA Today. “Louisville shooter left a note, was suicidal before killing 5 at bank: What we know about gunman, motive.” 4-10-2023, updated 4-11-2023.

Sources

CNN. “Louisville shooter left notes revealing part of his goal was to show how easily a mentally ill person can buy a gun in the US, sources say.” 4-20-2023. Accessed 4-25-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/20/us/louisville-kentucky-bank-mass-shooting-shooter-writings/index.html

CNN. “The latest on the Louisville bank shooting.” 4-11-2023. Accessed 4-11-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/louisville-kentucky-shooting-04-11-23/index.html

USA Today. “Louisville shooter left a note, was suicidal before killing 5 at bank: What we know about gunman, motive.” 4-10-2023, updated 4-11-2023. Accessed 4-11-2023 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/10/who-is-louisville-bank-shooter-motive/11634817002/

2023 — March 31, tornadoes, deaths in 7 states; AL/1, AR/5, IL/4, IN/5, MS, TN/15, DE–32

— 32 CNN. “Death toll rises to 32 after tornadoes rip through South and Midwest…” 4-2-2023.
–>27 NYT. “At Least 27 Killed as Tornadoes Tear Through the Midwest and South.” 4-2-2023.
–>21 ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead, dozens injured across 6 states.” 4-1-2023.
–>21 CBS News/AP. “Tornadoes strike Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee; at least 21 dead…” 4-1-2023.

Alabama ( 1)
–1 ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead, dozens injured across 6 states.” 4-1-2023.
–1 Huntsville area. Tornado destroyed home with woman inside; Ovie Lasater, 90.

Arkansas ( 5)
–5 ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead, dozens injured across 6 states.” 4-1-2023.
–1 North Little Rock, Pulaski County. CBS News/AP. “Tornadoes strike [AR, IL, TN]…” 4-1-2023.
–4 Wynne, Cross County. ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead…” 4-1-2023.

Delaware ( 1)
–1 Greenwood area, Sussex County, April 1. Collapsed structure.
NYT. “At Least 27 Killed as Tornadoes Tear Through the Midwest and South.” 4-2-2023.

Illinois ( 4)
–4 ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead, dozens injured across 6 states.” 4-1-2023.
–1 Belvidere. Tornado; Apollo Theatre roof collapsed; male, 50.
–3 Crawford County. Residential structure collapsed.

Indiana ( 5)
–5 CNN. “Death toll rises to 32 after tornadoes rip through South and Midwest…” 4-2-2023.
–2 McCormick’s Creek State Park campground, Owen Co. Brett Kincaid, 53, Wendy Kincaid, 47.
–3 Sullivan County. CBS News/AP. “Tornadoes strike [AR, IL, TN]…” 4-1-2023.

Mississippi ( 1)
–1 Pontotoc County. CBS News/AP. “Tornadoes strike [AR, IL, TN]…” 4-1-2023.

Tennessee (15)
–15 CNN. “Death toll rises to 32 after tornadoes rip through South and Midwest…” 4-2-2023.
— 9 McNairy Co. NYT. “At Least 27 Killed as Tornadoes Tear Through the Midwest and South.” 4-2-2023.
— 3 Memphis. CNN. “Death toll rises to 32 after tornadoes rip through South…Midwest…” 4-2-2023.
— 1 Tipton County, Tornado destroyed home and threw man, 31, about 100 yards.

Narrative Information

National Weather Service: “A very strong system developed on the morning of 31 March, which tracked a strong surface low across the state of Iowa. This system pulled unseasonably warm and moist conditions into the Midwest, which coupled with a very favorable wind profile, and created quite the volatile environment for severe thunderstorms. This event resulted with a tornado outbreak that this area has not seen in quite some time, with several tornadoes that led to a lot of damage. We initially started the event with more discrete supercell thunderstorms, but quickly transitioned to a QLCS event that led to many spin-ups along the leading edge, with embedded supercell structures. Combined with the many tornado reports, we also received many large hail and wind reports.

News Outlets
Apr 1, ABC News: “At least 21 people are dead across six states and dozens have been hospitalized after a tornado outbreak moved through the Midwest and South on Friday night, according to local officials. Among the fatalities, five were in Arkansas, three died in Indiana, one died in Alabama and one died in Mississippi, local officials told ABC News. Adamsville, Tennessee, Mayor David Leckner told The Associated Press that seven people have died in McNairy County. In Illinois, four people died, including a man who was killed after a roof collapsed during a concert at a historic theater.

“The National Weather Service confirmed at least 31 tornadoes across 9 states on Friday and Saturday. More than 28 million people across the South and Midwest were under a tornado watch going into Friday night, according to the NWS.

“A “catastrophic” tornado moved through the metro area of Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County Friday afternoon, the NWS confirmed. According to preliminary NWS information, the EF3 tornado had winds up to 165 mph and a path length spanning 20-25 miles. At least one person died and more than 50 people across Pulaski County have been hospitalized, with that number expected to rise, Madeline Roberts, a spokeswoman for the county’s emergency management agency, told ABC News. She did not have information on the conditions of those injured….

“Four people have been pronounced dead in Wynne, located roughly 50 miles west of Memphis, which took a direct hit from a tornado. Miles Kimble, the coroner of neighboring St. Francis County, who was assisting in Wynne, confirmed the death toll to ABC News….”
(ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead, dozens injured across 6 states.” 4-1-2023.)

April 2, NYT: “NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Communities in at least seven states on Saturday began assessing destruction left by a powerful storm system on Friday that spawned ferocious tornadoes, killing at least 27 people and causing a roof at a packed venue in Illinois to collapse — the second such deadly outbreak of severe weather in the region in a week.

“Fatalities were reported in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, the authorities said on Saturday, with Tennessee accounting for 10 deaths….”
(NYT. “At Least 27 Killed as Tornadoes Tear Through the Midwest and South.” 4-2-2023.)

April 2, CNN: “he death toll rose to 32 Sunday [2nd] after a batch of ferocious storms and tornadoes devastated communities across the American South and Midwest, while parts of the Southern Plains braced for the possibility of their own round of severe weather. The storm outbreak Friday that walloped the country spawned more than 50 tornado reports in at least seven states, where tornadoes crushed homes and businesses, ripped roofs off buildings, splintered trees and sent vehicles flying.

“Wynne, Arkansas – where at least four people died – was cleaved in half by one such tornado, leaving a line of destruction from the city’s western limit to its eastern, according to Mayor Jennifer Hobbs…

“Deaths have been confirmed across a wide swath of states, with multiple victims reported in Arkansas, Indiana and Tennessee, where the statewide death toll rose to 15 Sunday, officials said. Three of the deaths were in Memphis: Two children and one adult were found dead after police responded to calls about trees that had fallen on homes, the Memphis Police Department said in a news release.

“Nine others died in McNairy County, Tennessee, County Mayor Larry Smith confirmed to CNN Sunday. The storm “crossed our county completely from one side to the other,” Sheriff Guy Buck told CNN Saturday evening as authorities continued to search collapsed buildings….” (CNN. “Death toll rises to 32 after tornadoes rip through South and Midwest, leaving communities in ruin.” 4-2-2023.)
Sources

ABC News. “Tornado updates: At least 21 dead, dozens injured across 6 states.” 4-1-2023. Accessed 4-1-2023 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/violent-tornado-outbreak-major-storm-leaves-millions-alert/story?id=98263258

CBS News/AP. “Tornadoes strike Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee; at least 21 dead, dozens injured in Midwest.” 4-1-2023. Accessed 4-1-2023 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tornadoes-strike-arkansas-illinois-tennessee-indiana-midwest-multiple-fatalities-injuries/

CNN. “Death toll rises to 32 after tornadoes rip through South and Midwest, leaving communities in ruin.” 4-2-2023. Accessed 4-2-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/02/us/us-severe-storm-south-midwest-sunday/index.html

National Weather Service, Quad Cities, IA/IL Weather Forecast Office, NOAA. “Event Summary: March 31, 2023 – Tornado Outbreak.” Accessed 4-2-2023 at: https://www.weather.gov/dvn/summary_03312023

New York Times. “At Least 27 Killed as Tornadoes Tear Through the Midwest and South.” 4-2-2023. Accessed 4-2-2023 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/31/us/midwest-storms-flood-weather.html

2023 — Mar 30, USA Blackhawk helicopters collide, night training, Cadiz, Trigg Co. KY– 9

–9 CNN. “9 soldiers killed after 2 Black Hawk helicopters crash in Kentucky…3-30-2023.
–9 LA Times. “Two Army Black Hawk helicopters crash in Kentucky, killing 9.” 3-30-2023.
–9 NewsChannel5, Nashville. “Names of victims killed in Kentucky Black Hawk…crash…”

Narrative Information

March 30, CNN: “(CNN) — Nine US service members were killed after two helicopters with the 101st Airborne Division crashed late Wednesday in southwestern Kentucky, officials said. There were no survivors. The two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed around 10 p.m. in Trigg County near the Tennessee border, officials at nearby Fort Campbell said early Thursday. They were taking part “in a routine training mission when the incident occurred,” the base said in a statement on Facebook.

“The helicopters were medical evacuation aircraft, and it’s believed the crash happened while they were flying and not during a medical evacuation drill, Brig. Gen. John Lubas, deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division, said during a Thursday morning news conference at Fort Campbell. The aircraft went down in an open field across from a residential area, so no additional casualties or injuries were reported, he said. The Black Hawks that crashed were two of four total helicopters taking part in the training exercise, according to 101st Airborne Division spokesman Staff Sgt. Joshua Tverberg. One helicopter had stopped to refuel, and another was ahead of the two that went down….

“The HH-60 Black Hawk is the medical evacuation variant of the helicopter, which can transport a fully equipped 11-person infantry squad. One aircraft had five and the other had four people aboard, which Lubas said is typical and includes the pilot, co-pilot, crew chief and ‘medics or other personnel.’….

“The crash comes less than two months after two Tennessee National Guardsmen were killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk crashed during a training flight in Alabama.

“Overall, the Army has averaged five deaths per year in on-duty aviation accidents since fiscal year 2018, according to the US Army Combat Readiness Center.” (CNN. “9 soldiers killed after 2 Black Hawk helicopters crash in Kentucky during a training mission, Army says.” 3-30-2023.)

March 30, LA Times: “Ft. Campbell, Ky. — U.S. Army investigators are trying to determine what caused two Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopters to crash during a routine nighttime training exercise in Kentucky, killing all nine soldiers aboard. No one was hurt on the ground….The helicopters crashed in a field near a residential area with no injuries on the ground… An Army spokesperson declined to comment on whether the helicopters collided in the air….‘This was a training progression, and specifically, they were flying a multi-ship formation, two ships, under night-vision goggles at night,’ Lubas [spokesperson] said….

“Ft. Campbell is near the Tennessee border, about 60 miles northwest of Nashville, and the crash occurred in the Trigg County community of Cadiz.

“Nick Tomaszewski, who lives about a mile from where the crash occurred, said he saw two helicopters flying over his house moments before the crash….” (Los Angeles Times. “Two Army Black Hawk helicopters crash in Kentucky, killing 9.” 3-30-2023.)

March 31, NewsChannel5: “FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WTVF) — The U.S. Army has released the names of the nine victims killed in Wednesday night’s crash during a training exercise involving two Black Hawk helicopters out of Fort Campbell.

Warrant Officer 1 Jeffery Barnes, 33, of Milton, Florida

Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, 23, of Austin, Texas

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza, 36, of Jackson, Missouri

Sgt. Isaacjohn Gayo, 27, of Los Angeles, California

Staff Sgt. Joshua C. Gore, 25, of Morehead City, North Carolina

Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy, 32, of Cape Coral, Florida

Staff Sgt. Taylor Mitchell, 30, of Mountain Brook, Alabama

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, 32, of Rolla, Missouri

Sgt. David Solinas, Jr., 23, of Oradell, New Jersey

(NewsChannel5, Nashville. “Names of victims killed in Kentucky Black Hawk helicopter crash released.” 3-31-2023.)

Sources

CNN. “9 soldiers killed after 2 Black Hawk helicopters crash in Kentucky during a training mission, Army says.” 3-30-2023. Accessed 3-30-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/us/kentucky-helicopter-crash/index.html

Los Angeles Times. “Two Army Black Hawk helicopters crash in Kentucky, killing 9.” 3-30-2023. Accessed 3-31-2023 at: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2023-03-30/2-us-army-helicopters-crash-in-kentucky-deaths-feared

NewsChannel5, Nashville. “Names of victims killed in Kentucky Black Hawk helicopter crash released.” 3-31-2023. Accessed 3-31-2023 at: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/names-of-victims-killed-in-kentucky-black-hawk-helicopter-crash-released

2023 –March 27, School Shooting, Covenant Church elementary school, Nashville, TN– 6

–7 The Tennessean. “Nashville school shooting: Seven fatally shot at Covenant School…” 3-30-2023.
–6 ABC 7, NYC. “Alleged Nashville shooter planned attack for months, fired 152 rounds.” 4-4-2023.
–6 The Tennessean. “Covenant School employee said staff members carried guns.” 3-30-2023.
–6 The Tennessean. “Victims of Covenant School shooting include daughter of pastor…” 3-30-2023.

Narrative Information

March 30, The Tennessean: “Three adults and three children are confirmed dead following a mass shooting Monday morning at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. The suspect was killed in an altercation with police.

“Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department, originally said a 28-year-old female suspect was believed to have entered a side entrance with two assault rifles and a handgun. Police later identified the shooter by his name at birth, Audrey Hale, and did not provide another name. He was a transgender man who used male pronouns….

“The suspect was fatally shot by two of five-member police team around 10:27 a.m. in a second floor lobby.

(The Tennessean (Chris Gadd, et al.), Nashville “Nashville school shooting: Seven fatally shot at Covenant School, including 28-year-old suspect.” 3-27-2023, updated 3-30-2023.)

March 30, The Tennessean: “The Green Hills community is mourning the loss of three children and three adults who were fatally shot Monday at The Covenant School.

“The suspect, identified by police as a 28-year-old former student, entered the school through a side door Monday morning and opened fire. Within 14 minutes, a team of five officers followed sounds of gunfire to a second floor lobby where they fatally shot the suspect.

“The tragic incident marked America’s 129th mass shooting of 2023, according to Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit which tracks gun violence data.

“Here’s what we know so far about the shooting victims…

“Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9. Evelyn Dieckhaus was a student at The Covenant School… She was a third grader at Covenant School….

“Hallie Scruggs, 9. Hallie Scruggs was a student at the Covenant School. Hallie was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, who is the lead pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church….

“William Kinney, 9.
….
“Katherine Koonce, 60. Dr. Katherine Koonce, the head of school at The Covenant School, was an educator for more than 30 years. Metro Police strongly suggested that Koonce confronted the shooter in a school hallway before she was killed….

“Cynthia Peak, 61. Authorities identified Cynthia Peak as a substitute teacher who was working at The Covenant School.
….
“Mike Hill, 61. Mike Hill, one of the three adult victims of the shooting, was The Covenant School’s beloved custodian who had been employed at the school for over a decade….” (The Tennessean (Amber Roberson). “Victims of Covenant School shooting include daughter of pastor, head of school.” 3-27-2023, updated 3-30-2023.)

March 30, The Tennessean: “A person hiding under a desk during the shooting at the Covenant School told the 911 dispatcher that one or two staff members carry guns. At 10:12:05 a.m. Monday, a woman calling from the office of the nursery said, “We do have a school person, or two … I’m not sure … who would be packing, whose job it is for security. We don’t have security guards, but we have staff.” She did not name who typically carried weapons, and it is not clear whether those staff members were at the school at the time of the shooting….” (The Tennessean. “Covenant School employee said staff members carried guns.” 3-30-2023.)

April 4, ABC 7, NYC: “Nashville — The suspect who allegedly shot and killed six people at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, last week had been planning for “months to commit mass murder at The Covenant School,” police said, citing the suspect’s journals. The suspect… fired 152 rounds during the March 27 mass shooting, Nashville police said in a statement Monday [3rd].

“Hale was armed with two assault-style rifles, a handgun and “significant ammunition” at the time of the attack, according to police. Authorities said Hale owned seven legally purchased guns from five different local stores. The seven guns that were confiscated by the authorities were purchased between Oct. 30, 2020 and June 6, 2022, a law enforcement official told ABC News. The last weapon purchased was an AR-15 style weapon, according to the official.

“Hale was shot and killed by police inside the school. The two officers who shot at Hale discharged four rounds each, according to police.

“A motive remains unknown, but authorities determined that “Hale considered the actions of other mass murderers,” police said. Hale had a detailed map of the school as well as “writings and a book we consider to be like a manifesto,” Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake told ABC News last week….

“A police spokesperson said Hale was assigned female at birth but pointed to a social media account linked to Hale that included the use of the pronouns he/him.” (ABC 7, NYC. “Alleged Nashville shooter planned attack for months, fired 152 rounds.” 4-4-2023.)

April 7: “Nashville, Tenn. (WTVF) — There are exclusive new details about the so-called manifesto left by The Covenant School shooter. Authorities have yet to release what was written publicly. But TBI [TN Bureau of Investigation] director David Rausch did talk candidly about the contents of the manifesto at a Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association meeting. Rausch said what police found isn’t so much a manifesto spelling out a target but a series of rambling writings indicating no clear motive….

“….Investigators searched the Nashville home of the Covenant School shooter leaving with among other things — a number or handwritten journals, some videos and computer hard drives. Rausch told sheriffs that the review so far of the material finds that the killer did not write about specific political, religious or social issues. In fact, a primary focus in the journals is on idolizing those who committed prior school shootings. She appears to have followed their lead planning for months and acted alone….” (News Channel 5, Nashville, TN. “TBI director shares new details on The Covenant School shooter’s manifesto.” 4-7-2023.)

Sources

ABC 7, NYC. “Alleged Nashville shooter planned attack for months, fired 152 rounds.” 4-4-2023. Accessed 4-5-2023 at: https://abc7ny.com/nashville-shooting-tn-tennessee-shooter/13083956/

News Channel 5, Nashville, TN. “TBI director shares new details on The Covenant School shooter’s manifesto.” 4-7-2023. Accessed 4-17-2023 at: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tbi-director-shares-new-details-on-the-covenant-school-shooters-manifesto

The Tennessean (Keith Sharon), Nashville. “Covenant School employee said staff members carried guns.” 3-30-2023. Accessed 3-30-2023: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2023/03/30/nashville-shooting-school-employee-said-staff-members-carried-guns/70066418007/

The Tennessean (Chris Gadd, et al.), Nashville “Nashville school shooting: Seven fatally shot at Covenant School, including 28-year-old suspect.” 3-27-2023, updated 3-30-2023. Accessed 3-30-2023 at: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/03/27/covenant-school-nashville-shooting-green-hills/70052363007/

The Tennessean (Amber Roberson), Nashville. “Victims of Covenant School shooting include daughter of pastor, head of school.” 3-27-2023, updated 3-30-2023. Accessed 3-30-2023 at: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2023/03/27/who-are-the-nashville-school-shooting-victims-covenant-presbyterian/70053940007/

2023 — March 24, tornado/severe storms, MS/25 & AL/1, especially Rolling Fork, MS– 26

— >25 Associated Press. “‘There’s nothing left’: Deep South tornadoes kill 26.” 3-25-2023.
— 26 CNN. “Deadly tornado and severe storms sweep South.” 3-25-2023.

Alabama ( 1)
–1 Morgan County. Tree fall on mobile home. Cited is Emergency Manager Brandy Davis.

Mississippi (>25)
— >25 Associated Press. “‘There’s nothing left’: Deep South tornadoes kill 26.” 3-25-2023.
— >23 Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves tweet, 3-25-2023.
— 3 Carroll County (in one house), according to coroner Mark Stiles.
— 3 Humphreys County, according to Emergency Management Directory Royce Steed.
— 2 Monroe County. (Cited in coroner Alan Gurley.)
–>13 Sharkey County (which includes Rolling Fork)

Narrative Information

March 25, CNN: “At least 26 people are dead and dozens more are hurt after powerful storms and at least one tornado pummeled the southern United States Friday night [24th]. The confirmed tornado touched down in Mississippi, where the damage and death toll have been most severe. Search-and-rescue teams are spread across the state. More than 28,000 homes and businesses in Mississippi and Alabama are still without power, according to PowerOutage.us. Tens of thousands more were without service until utility crews started making repairs….” (CNN. “Deadly tornado and severe storms sweep South.” 3-25-2023.)

Sources

Associated Press. “‘There’s nothing left’: Deep South tornadoes kill 26.” 3-25-2023. Accessed 3-25-2023 at: https://apnews.com/article/tornado-texas-severe-weather-mississippi-valley-65e553e6358b56b2630ff5c588850505

CNN. “At least 26 dead after tornado-spawning storms roll through Southeast. One town is ‘gone,’ resident says.” 3-25-2023. Accessed 3-25-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/25/weather/us-severe-storms-saturday/index.html

CNN. “Deadly tornado and severe storms sweep South.” 3-25-2023. Accessed 3-25-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/mississippi-tornado-03-25-23/index.html

2023 — Jan 23, workplace shootings, mushroom farm & trucking facility, Half Moon Bay, CA–7

–7 CNN. “7 killed in shooting in Half Moon Bay, California.” 1-24-2023 update.
–7 CNN. “At least 7 dead…suspect in custody…shootings…Half Moon Bay…” 1-24-2023 update.
–7 CNN. “Half Moon Bay suspect is charged with 7 murder counts…” 1-26-2023 update.

Narrative Information

Jan 24, CNN: “At least seven people were killed and one person critically injured Monday at two locations in a small coastal community in the San Francisco Bay area, becoming the state’s second mass shooting in three days, officials said.

“The suspect, identified as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, was taken into custody more than two hours after the shootings in Half Moon Bay, according to San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus. Authorities believe Zhao acted alone, with Corpus noting a motive was not known Monday night and there isn’t a threat to the community….

“At 2:22 p.m., deputies were alerted to a shooting in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, nearly 30 miles south of San Francisco, the sheriff said. They found four victims dead and one wounded upon arrival at the first location, and soon after, three more victims were found dead at a separate site, Corpus said. One shooting took place at a mushroom farm and another near a trucking facility, approximately two miles from the farm, Dave Pine, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, earlier told CNN.

“At 4:40 p.m., a sheriff’s deputy located the suspect in his vehicle in the parking lot of a sheriff’s substation in Half Moon Bay, Corpus said, and he was taken into custody without incident. A semi-automatic handgun was found in his vehicle at that time, she said….

“The 66-year-old suspect used a registered gun and appeared to target the individuals he shot, the San Mateo County sheriff said. A motive is not known….

“Zhao had legal possession of a semi-automatic weapon, according to the San Mateo County sheriff. ‘He wasn’t a red flag for us, nothing to put him on our radar. He was known to the individuals at his workplace because he was employed there,’ San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus told CNN Tuesday. She said Zhao was not known to local law enforcement and ‘we’re still learning more about this individual but there was nothing that would have elevated’ any concern about him before the incident.

“The suspect appeared to target his victims: Corpus said the suspect ‘had individuals that he targeted…What we know is this turned into a workplace violence incident and he had an opportunity, we believe, to hurt other people, but he targeted individuals that he went after and pursued.’….

“Children were present at the scene of the mass shooting: Corpus said Monday night that the shooting happened in ‘a big rural location, so people are working. It’s spread out, there’s people that live at the location as well. It was in the afternoon when kids were out of school. For children to witness this is unspeakable.’

“….The owners of the mushroom farm in an unincorporated area in San Mateo County where the gunman killed at least four of Monday’s victims said the killings have left them “shook” and that they have no past knowledge of the gunman or his motives….” (CNN. “7 killed in shooting in Half Moon Bay, California.” 1-24-2023 update.)

Jan 25, CNN: “….Zhao was subject to a temporary restraining order after a former coworker and roommate accused him of attacking and threatening him in 2013. Yingjiu Wang, who worked with Zhao at a restaurant and lived with him in a San Jose apartment, wrote in a court declaration that Zhao’s violent behavior started after Zhao quit that job in March 2013. Early in the morning two days later, Zhao came into Wang’s room and asked for his salary. When Wang told him to pick it up at the restaurant, Zhao said he would kill Wang, then “took a pillow and started to cover my face and suffocate me,” Wang wrote. ‘While I couldn’t (breathe), I used all my might within the few seconds to push him away with my blanket,’ Wang wrote. He said he called for help and another roommate came to the door, but Zhao had allegedly locked it. The two men ended up wrestling on Wang’s bed before Zhao calmed down, according to Wang.

“Two days later, he wrote, Zhao threatened him again, saying ‘he can use a knife to cut my head if he can’t come back to work.’ Wang had no control over Zhao’s work status at the restaurant, he wrote.

“A judge issued a temporary restraining order against Zhao, which prevented him from getting too close to Wang and banned him from owning or buying a gun, according to the court paperwork. The restraining order expired in July 2013. An attorney for Zhao in the 2013 complaint did not respond to requests for comment and Wang could not be reached for comment.

“The incident was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.”

“Zhao lived at the first property, where four victims were killed, for about seven years, according to California Terra Garden spokesperson David Oates. The site, formerly known as Mountain Mushroom Farm, was acquired by the company California Terra Garden in March 2022, Oates said. There are several mobile homes and trailers for employees on the property, which is where the suspect lived, Oates added.

“Zhao was one of about 35 employees working at the farm, the spokesperson said, adding standard background checks for all employees revealed ‘nothing to indicate anything like this was even a possibility.’…” (CNN. “Half Moon Bay shooting suspect legally owned his gun and targeted specific people…” 1-25-2023.)

Jan 26, CNN: “The suspect in the Half Moon Bay, California, mass shooting was charged Wednesday with seven counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in what became the deadliest attack in San Mateo County’s history, the district attorney said. ‘This one is in a category that is way beyond anything we’ve ever dealt with,’ San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. ‘I’m sorry that we have joined the list of counties around this country that have had to deal with this.’

“The suspect – identified as 66-year-old Chunli Zhao — is charged with shooting four people at a mushroom farm Monday, where the suspect was an employee, and three more were killed at a nearby farm, authorities said. The suspect was a “coworker or former coworker” of the victims at each shooting site and evidence points to the attack being an instance of workplace violence, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said….

“The suspect could face a sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, the district attorney said….” (CNN. “Half Moon Bay suspect is charged with 7 murder counts as US tallies more mass shootings than days so far in 2023.” 1-26-2023 update.)

Sources

CNN. “7 killed in shooting in Half Moon Bay, California.” 1-24-2023 update. Accessed 1-24-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/half-moon-bay-california-shooting-1-24-23/index.html

CNN. “At least 7 dead, 1 injured and suspect in custody after shootings in Half Moon Bay, California, officials says.” 1-24-2023 update. Accessed 1-24-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/23/us/half-moon-bay-california-shooting-incident/index.html

CNN. “Half Moon Bay shooting suspect legally owned his gun and targeted specific people, authorities said. Here’s what we know about him.” 1-25-2023. Accessed 1-25-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/25/us/half-moon-bay-shooting-suspect-chunli-zhao-what-we-know/index.html

CNN. “Half Moon Bay suspect is charged with 7 murder counts as US tallies more mass shootings than days so far in 2023.” 1-26-2023 update. Accessed 1-26-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/26/us/us-shootings-half-moon-bay-monterey-park-yakima/index.html

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