Competitor: No one deserves to die over playing a video game
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FOX 13) - First responders continued investigating into the early hours of Monday as the city of Jacksonville woke up to a gloomy, rainy morning after a deadly gaming tournament shooting from just the day before. Portions of the city's downtown remains closed as investigators tried to determine a motive.
The two Madden 19 competitors who were killed were Eli Clayton, who gamed under the name "Trueboy," and Taylor Robertson, who used the name "SpotMePlzzz," according to FOX 30. Eleven others were injured during the shooting, before the alleged gunman killed himself.
On Monday morning, Memorial Hospital released the names of four patients:
- George Amadeo II, 17, is in good condition
- David Echevarria, 28, was treated for minor injuries and released
- Alexander Madunic, 27, is in good condition after a gunshot wound to the foot
- Christopher McFarland, 31, is in good condition after a bullet graze to the head
At UF Health Hospital, one patient remains in good condition while another is in "serious condition and under observation," reports FOX 30. Four were released from the hospital on Sunday.
Governor Rick Scott visited the victims of the shooting in their hospital rooms Sunday night. Among them was 25-year-old Timothy Anselimon from Tampa. His friends tell FOX 13 he was shot three times and is expected to have surgery Monday.
The deadly violence stunned gamers competing during "Madden NFL 19" video game tournament. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said authorities believe 24-year-old David Katz of Baltimore carried out the attack using at least one handgun at the Jacksonville Landing, a collection of restaurants and shops along the St. Johns River.
Toshiba Sharon tells FOX 13 that his co-announcer was shot during the event. He also said Katz was eliminated abut 15 minutes before the shooting began. The "Madden" game's maker, EA Sports, lists a David Katz as a 2017 championship winner. Authorities did not give a motive for the shootings.
"Normally, there is security. There wasn't at this even, but normally there is security -- normally door checks," he explained with a shaky voice. "So, it's just...just sad it wasn't in this event."
Investigators were looking into an online video that appeared to capture the scene right before the shooting began, Williams said. A red dot that appears to be a laser pointer is visible on the chest of a player seconds before the first of about a dozen gunshots rings out.
"No one deserves to die over playing a videogame, you know?" said "Madden" competitor Derek Jones, 30, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. "We're just out here trying to win some money for our families and stuff."
An FBI spokesman, Dave Fitz, confirmed that agents had gone to the house of the Katz's father in Baltimore. He declined to release specifics, citing the ongoing investigation. T.J. Smith, chief spokesman for the Baltimore Police Department, also said that the agency was assisting law enforcement partners "with some information that has led authorities to Baltimore."
The Jacksonville Landing, in the heart of the city's downtown, also hosts concerts and other entertainment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.