Crime
Lafayette Mass Shooting: 73-Year-Old Gunman Kills One, Injures Two Before Taking His Own Life
LAFAYETTE, IN – December 5, 2024 – Authorities have released additional details and surveillance footage related to the tragic mass shooting at Lafayette Laundry on South Street, where 73-year-old Louis McGlothlin of Nebraska opened fire before turning the gun on himself.
McGlothlin parked his truck in the laundromat’s parking lot, locked his vehicle, and appeared to handle an object—possibly a handgun—before entering the business.
Once inside, he rapidly fired seven rounds, targeting multiple individuals before exiting and taking his own life.
- Keith Ford, 35 – Fatally shot at the scene.
- Renee Martin, 32 – Sustained gunshot wounds, transported to a hospital for treatment.
- Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, 30 – Also wounded, hospitalized with serious injuries.
Both Martin and Reyes survived but required extensive medical care.
Investigators believe McGlothlin was suffering from undiagnosed mental health issues, according to Lafayette Police Sgt. Shawn Verma.
Originally from Lafayette, McGlothlin later joined the U.S. Navy, retired, and settled in Lincoln, Nebraska. On December 5, 2024, he drove across four states before arriving at the laundromat, where he carried out the attack.
Following the shooting, authorities searched McGlothlin’s home and uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting he had been contemplating a similar act for decades.
Detectives found videos recorded 25 years ago in which McGlothlin discussed plans for a random mass shooting in the year 2000. However, for unknown reasons, he ultimately chose not to follow through at the time.
A handwritten note, discovered on an old DVD, detailed his intentions from decades prior. McGlothlin’s wife and family were unaware of his past plans or his actions leading up to the December 5th shooting.
Lafayette police have categorized the attack as random and emphasized that McGlothlin had no known connection to the victims.
Authorities have since released three surveillance videos documenting the incident following a public records request from the Journal & Courier.
“Our thoughts remain with the victims, their loved ones, and the first responders who witnessed this horrific event,” said Lafayette Police officials.
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and intervention, as well as the unpredictable nature of premeditated violence.
Authorities continue to investigate McGlothlin’s actions in the days leading up to the attack to determine any additional contributing factors.
CONWAY, AR — One of the victims fatally shot during Sunday’s mass shooting at Fifth Avenue Park has been identified as Tatayana Penister, according to officials.
The deadly incident, which unfolded during a gathering at the park, claimed two lives and left nine others wounded.
Witness accounts and emotional social media posts have begun to shed light on the chaos and heartbreak experienced by those at the scene.
Latashia Winzer, a bystander who said she was with Tatayana when the shooting occurred, shared a powerful and emotional plea online, recounting her desperate efforts to save Penister’s life.
“I wish y’all would’ve helped when I begged for it,” Winzer wrote. “I wish I didn’t get tired. I wish my arms didn’t go weak. She did not want to die—she didn’t deserve to die. I swear I wish I could’ve done more. Y’all dead wrong.”
Winzer said she performed CPR on Penister until she could no longer continue, expressing deep sorrow and frustration over what she perceived as a lack of immediate assistance from authorities.
“Police didn’t do anything but stand over us. I begged for help,” she said. “She held on for so long. I’m praying so hard for her mom. My heart hurts. No mother deserves to get a call like this.”
The shooting took place around Fifth Avenue Park in Conway on Sunday evening, where large crowds had gathered.
Police said multiple 911 calls were received as shots rang out, triggering a swift emergency response.
Video captured during the event shows people fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted.
As of Monday, the nine individuals injured in the shooting were reported to be in stable condition after being transported to nearby hospitals.
The identity of the second deceased victim has not yet been released.
Conway Police have not released information about potential suspects or a motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 501-450-6130. Callers may speak with any available detective. If the line is not answered, officials request that a message be left, and someone will return the call.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the Conway Police Department stated. “We ask the public to avoid the area while our officers continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.”
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.