The
man accused of opening fire at a birthday pool party at a San Diego
apartment complex, killing one and injuring seven, was purportedly
despondent over a recent breakup with his girlfriend, police said today.
The
suspected shooter, identified by officials as Peter Selis, 49, was shot
and killed by police after the shooting at the pool area of the La
Jolla Crossroads apartment complex Sunday evening, San Diego police
said.
San
Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said today that "in the few days
prior to this senseless act of violence," Selis and his girlfriend had
split up, and his family described him as distraught and depressed.
Selis,
who lived in the apartment complex, allegedly entered the pool area,
laid down on a lounge chair, and then called his ex-girlfriend and told
her he just shot two people, police said. Selis allegedly stayed on the
phone with his ex as he continued to open fire at the victims who were
"just mere feet from him," Zimmerman said. Selis allegedly wanted his ex
to listen in as he "carried out his rampage," Zimmerman said.
Police said it appears the victims were only targeted because they happened to be at the pool at that time.
Maniza
Sheikhani, who was at the complex at the time of the shooting at around
6 p.m. local time, told ABC News, "I heard what sounded like fireworks,
I wasn't sure what it was. And then I smelled smoke and I turned around
and I heard people screaming and running. ... I just ran. And I heard
other people screaming, 'There's a shooter, there's an active shooter.'"
There
were seven gunshot victims and an eighth victim who suffered a broken
bone while fleeing the area, police said. Police said the eight victims,
all adults, were hospitalized and one woman later died. Two victims are
in critical condition but all are expected to survive, Zimmerman said
today.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer called it a "horrific and disturbing act."
Zimmerman
said the police department offers its thoughts and prayers to "the
victims, their families and everyone affected by this terrible crime."
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