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Florida gunman who killed 2 gamers had history of mental illness: court records

The New York Daily News - 8/28/2018

Aug. 27--David Katz, the man who killed two video game competitors in a Jacksonville, Fla., tournament had a history of mental illness.

Authorities also revealed Katz, 24, legally purchased two firearms, at least one with a laser sight, in mid-August. They are believed to be the weapons used in the Sunday shooting, said an officer from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office during a Monday afternoon press conference.

Officials believe he acted alone but are unsure if he traveled to Florida by himself. They're also combing through surveillance camera videos and Katz's social media accounts for clues.

Armed agents entered the Baltimore home of Katz's father Sunday night wearing bulletproof vests and toting long guns.

Authorities believe Katz fatally shot two competitors and wounded 11 others during the "Madden NFL 19" video game tournament in Jacksonville. Eli Clayton, 22, and 27-year-old Taylor Robinson were reportedly killed.

At least 12 others were injured during the shooting at the GLHF Game Bar, including some who were trying to flee the scene. Witnesses said the gunman appeared to be walking backward as he opened fire Sunday afternoon.

"We didn't see like a face," gamer Taylor Poindexter said after spraining her ankle trying to escape. "We did see him with two hands on a gun, walking back just popping rounds."

Katz, known as "Bread" and "Ravenschamp," won the 2017 Madden 17 Bills Championship. Witnesses said he was angry because he lost during the weekend's qualifying event for the Madden 19 Tournament.

"No one deserves to die over playing a video game, you know?" said "Madden" competitor Derek Jones. "We're just out here trying to win some money for our families and stuff."

With News Wire Services

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