Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Christina Grimmie: The Voice singer's killer 'had a history of violence'

Police were reportedly called to two violent incidents involving Loibl over the past few years

Olivia Blair
Wednesday 15 June 2016 23:42 BST
Comments
Christina Grimmie
Christina Grimmie (getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kevin Loibl, the man who shot dead the singer Christina Grimmie, was reportedly involved in a number of violent incidents over the past few years.

Grimmie was signing autographs at a merchandise table after performing with the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live in Orlando on Saturday night when she was shot.

The gunman, who police believe travelled specifically to the venue to target Grimmie yet was not known to the singer, has been identified by police as Kevin Loibl. Liobl turned the gun on himself after shooting Grimmie when the singer’s brother, Marcus, tackled him in front of shocked fans.

According to TMZ, officers were called twice to incidents involving 27-year-old Loibl over the last few years. The celebrity entertainment website says a 2013 police report claimed he was involved in an altercation with his father’s fiancee, Dawn, in which she said he broke her wrist by slamming a door on her arm.

Loibl claimed it was an accident which occurred while he was fleeing from Dawn who was allegedly drunk. No arrests were made.

In 2014, police reportedly responded to an altercation between Loibl and his father but again no charges were brought.

On Monday, it was reported a note had been taped to the door of the Liobl family home. The note said: “Deepest sorrow for lost [sic] to the family, friends and fans of the very talented, loving Christina Grimmie. No other comments [sic].”

Grimmie rose to prominence as a Youtuber covering other musician’s songs yet found mainstream success after competing on The Voice in 2014. The 22-year-old came third in the competition and was coached along the way by her mentor Adam Levine, who has offered to pay for the funeral.

In a Facebook post, Marcus said he was “blown away” after learning the Maroon 5 frontman personally called his mother and offered to pay for funeral expenses and her travel. A GoFundMe page set up by Grimmie’s manager, and Selena Gomez’ stepfather, Brian Teefey to support Grimmie’s family has so far amassed over $145,000.

During a vigil for Grimmie, Marcus also paid tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which happened one day after Grimmie’s murder just a few miles away.

“About four miles away from where we were staying there was a huge tragedy to Orlando, to the US, to the LGBT community and to the whole world,” he said. “I mean 50 people dead, who knows who’s injured […]I have no words. But to all those people that died and are suffering, my heart goes out."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in