New Mexico law enforcement has released an image of a cryptic note discovered on an 18-year-old shooter, Beau Wilson, who fatally shot three senior women seemingly at random.
After discarding his makeshift bulletproof vest, he was shot by the responding officers.
According to the Farmington Police Department, Wilson had an arsenal of firearms and ammunition stored at his father’s residence. Officers reported finding an excess of 1,000 rounds and a collection of ten diverse firearms scattered throughout the home. Despite their accessibility, the weapons were not actually owned by Wilson.
Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe elaborated in a press briefing on Wednesday that Wilson donned a self-fashioned bulletproof vest equipped with steel plates as he began his shooting spree from his home. Yet, for unexplained reasons, Wilson removed his protective vest before the arrival of law enforcement officers. The note recovered from his pocket read, “If you’re reading this, I’m the end of the chapter [sic].” The note also contained a cautionary message threatening harm to anyone who crossed paths with Wilson’s younger sister.
Police reports indicate that Wilson’s lethal rampage commenced as he discharged at least 176 rounds from an AR-15 rifle from his front porch. Even with ammunition remaining, he discarded the rifle and continued his assault wielding two handguns. After abandoning a .22-caliber firearm, Wilson employed a 9-mm handgun in his final confrontation with the police, firing a minimum of 18 rounds. Seemingly firing indiscriminately at automobiles, he hit 11 vehicles and seven residences. His victims were Gwendolyn Schofield, 97, her daughter Melody Ivie, 73, and Shirley Voita, 79, all longstanding residents of Farmington.
Sgt. Rachel Discenza of the Farmington Police and Officer Andreas Stamatiadis of the New Mexico State Police sustained injuries during the incident and were promptly transported to a local hospital.
Investigators are currently attempting to trace how Wilson procured the firearms and are examining his mental health background. They are endeavoring to access his medical and school records in an effort to gain a better understanding of the motivation behind his violent rampage.
