PARAMUS, N.J. — Officials announced that the man suspected of firing several shots inside a northern New Jersey mall was discovered dead in an area of the retail center that was undergoing construction.
During a press conference early Tuesday morning, officials said the reported gunman died of a self-inflicted wound. They also identified him as Richard Shoop, 20, of Teaneck, N.J.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said Shoop had stolen the rifle he used in the shooting from his brother.
Law enforcement officials had swarmed around the mall Monday night after witnesses reported multiple gunshots were fired as stores were preparing to close.
"He came to the mall and fired what is at least six rounds at random striking several different locations," Molinelli said. Panic quickly spread among shoppers and mall employees, he said.
By Susie Madrak
— November 4, 2013
