The shooter who killed five people before turning the gun on himself in South Carolina on Thursday was former NFL pro Phillip Adams.
Reports emerged on Wednesday afternoon of a shooting near Rock Hill, South Carolina. Five people were killed, including a prominent local doctor, his wife and their two grandchildren, aged five and nine. A sixth person was also injured in the attack.
It has now been revealed by a source who was briefed on the investigation and told the AP on the condition of anonymity that the assailant was former NFL player Phillip Adams, who was just 32 years old.
The source said Phillips killed himself after midnight with a .45 calibre weapon on Thursday morning.
The York County Sheriff’s Office said police had searched for hours before eventually finding the suspect in a nearby home.
Dr. Robert Lesslie, 70, his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69 and their grandchildren Adah and Noah were pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday.
James Lewis, 38, from Gaston was also found dead outside.
“We have found the person we believe is responsible and we are with him at this time and that’s all I can say about the suspect,” a spokesperson for the York County Sheriff’s Office said.
“Dr. Lesslie was my doctor growing up,” they added.
“Dr. Lesslie has been one of those people that everybody knows. He started Riverview Medical Center in Rock Hill and it’s been a staple in Rock Hill for years.”
