Seven people are dead and more have been injured in a drive-by shooting in Isla Vista near the Santa Barbara campus of the University of California.
According to reports 22-year-old Elliot Rodger, son of Peter Rodger who is an assistant director on the Hunger Games film franchise, stabbed three room-mates to death before shooting dead another three people late on Friday night.
The suspect, who exchanged fire with police before fleeing and crashing his car, also died from a gunshot wound to the head. It is unclear if it was self-inflicted.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told reporters: “This incident appears to be a mass murder situation. We currently have seven people confirmed dead – that includes the suspect and six victims”.
He explained: “We have obtained and are currently analysing both written and videotaped evidence that suggests this atrocity was a premeditated mass murder”.
Various news outlets report that the authorities are looking at a particular YouTube video entitled ‘Elliot Rodger’s Retribution’ during which a 22-year-old man talks about getting revenge after being rejected by women.
In the clip, he says: “Tomorrow is the day of retribution. The day in which I will have my revenge against humanity… I’ve been forced to endure an existence of loneliness, rejection, and unfulfilled desires, all because girls have never been attracted to me”.
