Seal Beach Shooter Suffers from PTSD, Names of 7 Dead Victims Released
Seven of the victims who died in yesterday's shooting at a Seal Beach salon have been identified by relatives, friends and colleagues. The mass killing in "Mayberry by the Sea," the normally peaceful seaside community, occurred at 1:21 on Wednesday. Emerging details show that the shooter suffered from a history of mental illness and abuse.
The OC Register reported that the names of seven of the eight victims who died are Michelle Fournier, the shooter's ex-wife; Randy Fannin, the salon owner; Dave Caouette, killed in his car outside the salon; and Victoria Buzzo, Laura Webb, Christy Wilson and Michelle Fast, killed inside the salon.
The name of the final victim is awaiting confirmation. Hattie Stretz, Webb's 73-year-old mother, was wounded in the shooting but is recovering at Long Beach Memorial Hospital.
Scott Dekraai, Michelle Fournier's ex-husband, has been identified as the suspected shooter. Michelle worked at the salon where the shooting took place, and she and Scott were allegedly involved in a custody battle over their eight-year-old son, Dominic. Scott entered Salon Meritage on Wednesday afternoon wearing body armor and opened fire. Six victims died at the scene, two victims later died at a local hospital and the ninth - Hattie Stretz - is alive and recovering.
Scott was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday night. He was transferred to the Orange County Jail on Thursday where he is being held without bail. A news conference has been slated for Friday at 11am by the OC District Attorney's Office.
A former tugboat crewman and ex-marine, Scott, 42, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to a 2007 tugboat accident that crippled his leg, according to court records. Records reveal Scott's history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and mood swings, plus allegations that he physically abused his ex-wife during their relationship.
Adding to the list of prior attacks, Scott's stepfather filed a temporary restraining order against his stepson in 2007 after Scott attacked him, causing cuts and bruises on his face and right arm. Scott's son witnessed the assault.
Neighbors are shocked by Scott's rampage. "He was always a nice neighbor," next-door neighbor Stephanie Malchow said. "He always went above and beyond being a good neighbor. I can't imagine what the victims' families are going through."
KTLA News reported that the late Christy Wilson was in court on Tuesday, testifying at a custody hearing on Fournier's behalf. Linda Stewart, a longtime friend of Wilson, posted a call on her Facebook page for food donations to the Wilson family. Quickly overwhelmed with the response, she has since asked supports to donate to the funeral costs instead. Stewart, who works at a salon in Huntington Beach, is considering starting a jewelry line in Wilson's honor, the proceeds benefiting victims of domestic violence.
A "Candlelight Ceremony for the Losses of the Seal Beach Tragedy" will take place tonight at the salon from 8pm to 11pm. As of 3:20pm, 1,132 people are planning to attend. Encouraging as many attendees as possible, the Facebook event reads, "Please, everybody come and spread the word. More support the faster we will all heal from this. R.I.P. SKIP THE FOOTBALL GAME." People from cities across the nation - Tuscon, New York, Seattle, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and others - plan to light a candle at home to honor the victims.
