John Russell Houser

How they died

Suicide

At around 7 p.m., John Russell Houser opened fire inside The Grand 16 cinema, killing Mayci Breaux, 21, and Jillian Johnson, 33. Nine other people were injured, several critically. Nearly 300 people were inside the movie theater when Houser began shooting about 20 minutes into a showing of "Trainwreck". Houser was staying in a room at a nearby Motel 6, and was reportedly described as "kind of a drifter." Police searched his motel room and said they found various wigs and disguises inside. Officers said it was clear that his plan was to shoot and to flee the theater alive. Officers believe Houser fled the theater following the shooting, only to find a police cruiser outside. After seeing police, Houser turned the gun on himself, according to police. The Associated Press reported that Houser's wife and other family members filed for a temporary protection order in 2008 after Houser "exhibited extreme, erratic behavior." They said he made ominous and disturbing statements, and he suffered from "manic depression or bipolar disorder."

Why we remember them

This record exists so that John Russell Houser, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources