Gunman identified in Dayton, Ohio, shooting that killed 9. Here’s what we know

The gunman in the shooting that killed nine and injured 27 in the Oregon District neighborhood of Dayton, Ohio, on Sunday, has been identified, police said in a news conference.

The gunman has been identified as Connor Betts, 24, of Bellbrook, Ohio, officials said. He opened fire in one of Dayton’s popular nightlife neighborhoods early Sunday morning and was shot by police less than a minute after he began shooting, Mayor Nan Whaley said.

Betts was trying to enter Ned Peppers Bar when he was fatally shot by a bullet fired by one of six law enforcement officers, police Chief Richard Biehl said.

Betts was wearing a mask, a ballistic vest and ear protection. He was armed with a .223 caliber rifle and 100-round drum magazines, Biehl said. He described the gun as being like an AR-15.

Biehl said the weapon was ordered online from Texas then “transferred to the suspect” at a local firearms dealer. The magazines are not believed to be illegal and Biehl said there was nothing in Betts’ past that would have prevented him from being able to purchase the firearm.

One of the victims fatally shot was Megan Betts, 22, the shooter’s sister, Biehl said. She was not the first victim — one person was shot prior.

Connor Betts and Megan Betts had traveled to the area in the same car with another passenger. The third person was wounded in the incident and is cooperating with the investigation.

Biehl emphasized that Betts and his sister separated at some point in the evening prior to the shooting.

Biehl would not comment on a motive.

“Any suggestion of motive would be irresponsible. We do not have sufficient information,” he said.

Connor Betts enrolled in Sinclair Community College in 2017 where he studied psychology, a college spokesperson said, according to Dayton Daily News.

A background check revealed Betts had no prior criminal activity and no concealed weapons permits, the publication reported.

Laura Wakeley, a classmate of Betts’, said Betts made a list of people he wanted to shoot after being bullied in high school in “2010 or 2011,” USA Today reported. Officials kicked him out of school before eventually allowing him to return, according to the publication.

This is the second mass-shooting in less than 24 hours and the third this week. Twenty were killed and 26 were injured when Patrick Crusius, 21, opened fire at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart and shopping mall on Saturday, officials said. Three were killed and 13 injured after a shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California, last Sunday.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

This story was originally published August 4, 2019 at 11:25 AM.