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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred near Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night, leaving a 27-year-old man dead after being attacked by a group of individuals.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and sources close to the investigation, the victim, identified as Michael Arguy Hernandez Jr., was walking near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue when he was ambushed by a group of four people.
During the attack, Hernandez sustained a stab wound to the chest and multiple stab wounds to his back around 9:00 p.m.
Despite his injuries, Hernandez managed to walk a short distance before collapsing at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, where responding emergency personnel found him.
He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A local resident, whose apartment overlooks the scene, reported hearing screams at the time of the attack but initially dismissed them, believing it to be teenagers making noise earlier in the evening.
Hernandez’s grieving family has since spoken out about their devastating loss, remembering him as a bright and compassionate young man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother, in a heartfelt plea, described her son as someone with a passion for technology and video games, adding that “he loved his family above all else.”
The NYPD has confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
A fundraiser has been organized to assist with Hernandez’s funeral expenses, with his family expressing gratitude for any support as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
“Justice will be served for my son,” his mother declared. “Heaven has gained an angel.”
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).