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.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.