Death toll rises to 7 victims plus the suspect, in aftermath of west Texas shooting rampage

USPS mail van stolen by suspect

A seventh victim has died Sunday morning in what police have called a random act of violence that started with a traffic stop in Midland Saturday.

A statement from City of Odessa Director of Communications Devin Sanchez said, “There are 8 confirmed deaths now (3 in Midland and 5 in Odessa). This includes the shooter and the victim who was pronounced deceased this morning at Midland Memorial.”

A statement from Trevor Tankersley, public relations for MMCH, said, “We’ve seen a total of 14 patients related to shooting. 1 remains in critical. 3 are in serious. 7 are in fair. 1 treated and released. 1 pediatric patient flown to Lubbock and 1 deceased.”

The identities of the victims have not been officially released by authorities as of Sunday morning.

At a Sunday press conference, Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke said there was a total of 22 people injured, including three law enforcement officers. Of the seven killed, Gerke said their ages ranged from 15-57.

At the press conference, authorities said the gun used to shoot victims was an AR-type gun.

Gerke said the shooter’s name would not be released during the press conference, but he is confident that the shooter acted alone. So far, law enforcement has discovered no motives and no reasoning for the shootings.

The investigation is ongoing and fluid, as Gerke said there are multiple crime scenes to investigate.

Gov. Greg Abbott said he will work with legislators to find a solution for situations such as Saturday’s shootings.

“Words are inadequate,” he said. “Words must be met by actions.”

The FBI is involved in the on-going investigation.