Denver gunman targeted victims in shooting spree that killed 5
Denver, Colorado - Law enforcement has revealed more information about the Denver shooter who went on a killing spree on Monday, and believe he knew and targeted at least some of his victims.
![Mourners gathered outside Sol Tribe Tattooing and Piercing in Denver on Tuesday to pay respects to the shop's owner Alicia Cardenas, who was killed.](https://media.tag24.de/951x634/k/3/k3hkthfe81muj3xqx7hetd5e6op7zsfk.jpg)
"It does appear that the offender was targeting specific people in this case," Denver police commander Matt Clark said in a press conference on Tuesday evening. "The victims were known to the offender."
The 47-year-old shot multiple people in the Denver area on Monday night, another of whom succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to five.
The shooter has been identified as Lyndon James McLeod, and subsequently died in an exchange of fire with police. His motive is still unclear.
The gunman had initially opened fire in downtown Denver on a busy street of shops, bars, and restaurants, then sought out other locations in Denver where he continued to shoot.
Finally, he made his way to the town of Lakewood, near Denver, and fired at people in a tattoo shop and a hotel there.
The gunman is said to have been connected to the businesses or victims. Four of the five people killed either worked at or were near tattoo parlors. McLeod previously owned a tattoo company called Flat Black Ink, which had reportedly been defunct for several years, according to The Colorado Sun.
The perpetrator also had previous dealings with the hotel in Lakewood, yet it was unclear whether he knew the front desk receptionist he killed.
"This individual was on the radar of law enforcement," Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen revealed. McLeod was previously investigated in two cases in 2020 and early 2021, but no charges were filed. The police did not give any additional information about what the man was accused of.
The gunman is said to have chased people through the streets during the spree beginning at 5 PM local time on Monday. He then allegedly set a vehicle on fire, broke into residences, and exchanged gunfire in at least two shootouts with authorities.
Some wounded victims required surgeries, including the injured police officer who fatally shot McLeod.
There was also no clear answer to whether the shooter acted alone, but two weapons were recovered by officials. The investigation is still ongoing.
Cover photo: Collage: Imago/ZUMA Wire