She had just finished performing. The crowd was still buzzing when she stepped into the lobby to meet fans. Christina Grimmie, 22, known worldwide for her voice and her YouTube beginnings, greeted them with open arms.
Image captured during the Orlando performance.
What followed was sudden and final. A man who had traveled hours to see her wasn’t there for music. He carried two handguns, a knife, and a plan. He walked directly up to her in line.
The obsessed fan that attacked Christina.
Christina’s brother lunged to stop him after the shots, but the attacker turned the gun on himself. By midnight, Christina Grimmie was gone.
Christina pictured with her brother after her performance, shortly before she was attacked.
On June 10, 2016, Christina Grimmie took the stage at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida, performing as the opener for pop-rock band Before You Exit. After the concert, she moved to the lobby area for a meet-and-greet with fans—a standard part of her shows.
Kevin James Loibl in the crowd during her performance.
In the line was 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl of St. Petersburg. He had no prior criminal record, but later reporting showed he had an unhealthy fixation on the singer. That night, he carried two handguns, extra magazines, and a hunting knife. He did not know Christina personally.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Loibl approached Grimmie, who greeted him with open arms. He opened fire at close range. Christina’s brother, Marcus, immediately tackled Loibl, who then fatally shot himself.
Emergency responders rushed Grimmie to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead just after midnight. She was 22 years old.
The aftermath spread rapidly through news outlets and social media. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans around the world. An autopsy later confirmed multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
In December 2016, the Grimmie family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the venue, the promoter, and the security company, alleging negligent security measures. The case was later dismissed by a judge.
Christina Grimmie’s murder ended a rising career and exposed serious gaps in venue security. The perpetrator left no note, and police confirmed no prior contact with him.
He had traveled with one goal, and he carried it out in seconds.
Outcome: Christina Grimmie was pronounced dead on June 11, 2016. No charges were filed; the shooter died at the scene.
Images of the crime scene, autopsy report, and case file:
Crime Scene Image number 1.
Crime scene image number 2.
The pistol used by Loibl at the crime scene.
Loibl’s pistol.
Evidence collected from Loibl’s hotel room. (1)
Evidence collected from Loibl’s hotel room. (2)
Evidence collected from Loibl’s hotel room. (3)
