Two dead after gunman opens fire on meeting at retirement village

April 20, 2000
Web posted at: 3:46 a.m. EDT (0746 GMT)

PEORIA, Arizona (CNN) -- Two women were killed and three other people injured after a gunman burst into a meeting at a retirement community in Peoria, 10 miles north of Phoenix.

Sgt. Russ Scarborough of the Peoria Police Department said the 55-year old suspect was taken into custody shortly after the 2:12 p.m. (5:12 p.m. EDT) incident. He was carrying a rifle and several handguns. Scarborough said the man is a resident of Peoria but it's not known if he was a resident of the retirement community, Ventana Lakes.

There's no word on the man's motive for the attack, Scarborough said. The gunman was tackled by other participants in the meeting and held on the floor until police arrived.

The second victim, Esther Lapante, 75, died about 1:45 a.m. EDT at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, where she had been in extremely critical condition with gunshot wounds to the head and shoulder, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Edward Ettinger, 69, was also admitted with a gunshot wound to the chest and is in serious condition. A hospital spokesperson said he is expected to survive.

Three victims were brought to John C. Lincoln Health Center-North Mountain after ythe shooting, said the hospital spokesperson. Nila Ruth Lynn, 69, was pronounced dead shortly after being brought to the hospital, the other two were in fair condition. Charles Yankowski -- no age available -- was treated and released.

Gilbert McCurdy, 63, was still at the hospital overnight, but was listed in good condition.

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Community news - Peoria
John C. Lincoln Health Center-North Mountain
Peoria Police Department

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