The Louisiana movie theatre gunman has been identified as Alabama native John Russel Houser, 59, Lafayette police authorities said in a news conference this morning.
Houser, who killed himself to avoid being pursued by police after the shooting incident, was believed to be a drifter in town and had been staying in a motel beginning only this month, according to ABC News.
"It is apparent he was intent on shooting and escaping before police forced him back into the theater where he shot himself to death," Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said at the news conference, explaining that his 1995 blue Lincoln Continental was positioned near the exit.
Craft said police investigators also found wigs and glasses in his car and motel room.
Houser's shooting spree resulted in the death of Jillian Johnson, 33, of Lafayette, who died at the hospital, and Mayci Breaux, 21, of Franklin, La., who died at the theatre.
There were nine others injured, including one in critical condition, CNN reported. Police have yet to identify the gunman's motive as the investigation continues. The theater was packed Thursday with the summer screening of the romantic flick, "Trainwreck."
