Police: Santa Monica Gunman Left Note

The man who shot five people in Santa Monica, including his father and brother, left a note expressing remorse and hoping his mother would be cared for financially.

John Zawahri

But even with the handwritten note, 23-year-old John Zawahri’s motive in the shooting remains unclear, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Santa Monica Police Department Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said investigators now know John Zawahri owned “an array of realistic-looking replica firearms and several zip guns capable of firing live ammunition,” along with an antique black powder firearm converted to a revolver capable of firing .45 ammunition.

Zawahri attempted to purchase a firearm in 2011, Seabrooks said, but was denied by the Department of Justice. He then went on to purchase gun components from various sources across the nation and built a semi-automatic rifle. He also purchased ammunition and magazines carrying 30 rounds each, Seabrooks said.

Read the full story on SantaMonica.Patch.com