[UPDATE] Police Identify Lafayette Shooter as 59-Year-Old John Russell Houser

Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says the shooter has been identified as 59-year-old John Russell Houser from Alabama. Craft describes him as a drifter who was staying at a motel here in Lafayette. Houser wasn’t working or associated with anyone.

Chief Craft says Houser was planning to escape last night before law enforcement showed up to the scene. 13 rounds were fired and the weapon Houser used has been recovered. No devices were found in his vehicle.

“His criminal past is very aged,” says Chief Craft.

Chief Craft identifies the two deceased victims as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux from Franklin, who died on scene, and 33-year-old Jillian Johnson from Lafayette, who died at the hospital.

Of the nine people who were wounded, two victims have been released while one is in critical condition.

Chief Craft says the presence of law enforcement prevented more deaths. 12 ambulances were there in 6 minutes last night.

Law enforcement officials are still working inside the theater, which is shut down. There were no threats made at any other theater in Lafayette.

If you have any information about Houser, you’re asked to call the Lafayette Police Department’s 24-hour number at 337-291-8650.