Police Review Columbia Mall Shooter's Financial Records

Howard County police said they're investigating the financial records of a man who killed two people and then himself inside a shopping mall.

The department tweeted that detectives are examining the records of Darion Aguilar to “learn more about his activities.”

Police have been trying to determine a motive in Saturday's shooting inside the Mall in Columbia.

Police say Aguilar used a shotgun to kill 21-year-old Brianna Benlolo and 25-year-old Tyler Johnson -- employees of skate gear store Zumiez -- and then shot himself. Benlolo suffered wounds to her neck and chest and Johnson suffered multiple gunshot wounds before Aguilar put the shotgun to his mouth and killed himself, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Investigators know Aguilar frequented the mall but haven't established a connection between him and the store or the victims, police said.

Authorities have said a journal found at Aguilar's home expressed general unhappiness and awareness of mental health issues, but they have not been able to pinpoint a reason for the shooting or any particular connection between the 19-year-old College Park man and the two victims. Investigators need to interview more people before releasing the contents of the journal, police said.

A flyer distributed at the mall asks anyone who knew or saw Aguilar call police at 410-313-3200.

Investigators are also analyzing Aguilar’s cellphone and computer.

The mall, located in suburban Baltimore, reopened for business Monday.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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