‘The Voice’ singer and YouTube star Christina Grimmie shot dead at concert
- 8 years ago
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Late Friday night, a young rising star in the music industry was killed after a performance at The Plaza Live concert venue.
22-year-old Christina Grimmie, former contestant on “The Voice” and a highly successful YouTube personality, was shot from close range at a meet and greet after a show. The gunman has since been identified as 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Shortly after taking the stage, Grimmie was signing autographs for fans inside the venue. Loibl was in line to meet her, and when he got to the front of the line, he pulled out a handgun and fired.
Grimmie’s brother, Marcus, immediately dove over a merchandise booth and tackled the gunman to the ground. In the midst of the scuffle, Loibl shot himself dead. Grimmie was immediately rushed to hospital but died.
Police have revealed that the gunman was armed with two handguns, two additional loaded magazines, and a large hunting knife. He allegedly drove two hours from his home in St. Petersburg to commit the murder.
Police have yet to release a motive for the killing.
Grimmie gained a massive following of more than three million fans on her YouTube channel. Her internet fame catapulted her onto the national stage in 2014, as she was selected to compete in Season six of talent show, “The Voice.” Grimmie finished third in the competition, and continued her career as a musical performing artist.
22-year-old Christina Grimmie, former contestant on “The Voice” and a highly successful YouTube personality, was shot from close range at a meet and greet after a show. The gunman has since been identified as 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Shortly after taking the stage, Grimmie was signing autographs for fans inside the venue. Loibl was in line to meet her, and when he got to the front of the line, he pulled out a handgun and fired.
Grimmie’s brother, Marcus, immediately dove over a merchandise booth and tackled the gunman to the ground. In the midst of the scuffle, Loibl shot himself dead. Grimmie was immediately rushed to hospital but died.
Police have revealed that the gunman was armed with two handguns, two additional loaded magazines, and a large hunting knife. He allegedly drove two hours from his home in St. Petersburg to commit the murder.
Police have yet to release a motive for the killing.
Grimmie gained a massive following of more than three million fans on her YouTube channel. Her internet fame catapulted her onto the national stage in 2014, as she was selected to compete in Season six of talent show, “The Voice.” Grimmie finished third in the competition, and continued her career as a musical performing artist.