Chinese named as shooter in wake of island killing rampage
Source: Agencies |
November 23, 2009, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE gunman who killed four people and wounded nine in a gunfire rampage on the Pacific island of Saipan was identified yesterday as a Chinese national believed to be employed at the shooting range where the deaths occurred.
Li Zhongren, 42, who killed himself after Friday's bloodbath, left notes and authorities suspect the violence was linked to his personal finances and frustrations.
The police statement was the first official confirmation of his identity and shed light on what might have precipitated the worst violence on the normally tranquil island in recent memory.
Condolences
Police also said for the first time that he wounded eight South Korean tourists.
Santiago F. Tudela, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, sent his condolences to the victims and their families.
"Our prayers are with you all," he said.
Public Safety spokesman Jason Tarkong said a motive was still being investigated by local authorities, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, but it "may be related to issues about money and the suspect's emotional frustration."
Detectives found several notes left behind by Li, who had lived at the shooting range in Kannat Tabla that had been closed earlier this year.
"The notes were left in plain view for police to find and the incident seems premeditated," he said in a statement.
The violence erupted late Friday morning at the shooting range where Li was believed to be working as the caretaker.
Two adults, a four-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl were shot dead, and a four-year-old girl was critically wounded. They were all residents of the United States Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
The adult victims were Enrique Naputi, 30, and Richard Borja Naputi, 22.
Police said Li then drove his white van to the tourist site where he fired a barrage of shots at the South Koreans.
More than 50 tourists were sightseeing in the Last Command Post in Marpi, a World War II spot featuring remnants of US tanks.
A memorial in the area is dedicated to South Koreans who fought in the war.
Li was last spotted driving toward Banzai Cliff, the site where numerous Japanese jumped to their deaths to avoid capture in 1944 after the Battle of Saipan.
He shot himself and his body was found along the edge of the cliff.
Li Zhongren, 42, who killed himself after Friday's bloodbath, left notes and authorities suspect the violence was linked to his personal finances and frustrations.
The police statement was the first official confirmation of his identity and shed light on what might have precipitated the worst violence on the normally tranquil island in recent memory.
Condolences
Police also said for the first time that he wounded eight South Korean tourists.
Santiago F. Tudela, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, sent his condolences to the victims and their families.
"Our prayers are with you all," he said.
Public Safety spokesman Jason Tarkong said a motive was still being investigated by local authorities, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, but it "may be related to issues about money and the suspect's emotional frustration."
Detectives found several notes left behind by Li, who had lived at the shooting range in Kannat Tabla that had been closed earlier this year.
"The notes were left in plain view for police to find and the incident seems premeditated," he said in a statement.
The violence erupted late Friday morning at the shooting range where Li was believed to be working as the caretaker.
Two adults, a four-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl were shot dead, and a four-year-old girl was critically wounded. They were all residents of the United States Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
The adult victims were Enrique Naputi, 30, and Richard Borja Naputi, 22.
Police said Li then drove his white van to the tourist site where he fired a barrage of shots at the South Koreans.
More than 50 tourists were sightseeing in the Last Command Post in Marpi, a World War II spot featuring remnants of US tanks.
A memorial in the area is dedicated to South Koreans who fought in the war.
Li was last spotted driving toward Banzai Cliff, the site where numerous Japanese jumped to their deaths to avoid capture in 1944 after the Battle of Saipan.
He shot himself and his body was found along the edge of the cliff.
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