William Spengler, 62, who shot dead two firefighters in New York State after luring them to a blaze, had previously served 17 years in prison for killing his 92-year-old grandmother with a hammer in 1980. The attack occurred in Webster, New York, where Spengler set a car and house on fire before opening fire on first responders.
The victims were identified as Police Lt. Michael Chiapperini, 43, a public information officer and volunteer firefighter with nearly 20 years of service, and Tomasz Kaczowka, 19, an emergency dispatcher. Two other firefighters, Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino, were seriously wounded and hospitalised in stable condition. A fifth off-duty police officer was also shot and wounded.
Spengler's sister Cheryl, 67, who lived with him, remains unaccounted for. A neighbour said Spengler “hated” his sister and “could not stand her.” Police are investigating the motive for the shootings, which occurred shortly before 6:00 am on Monday in a quiet lakeside community.
Police Chief Gerald Pickering stated that the fire appeared to have been set intentionally as a trap for first responders. Spengler exchanged gunfire with officers before fatally shooting himself. The incident has reignited debate on gun control in the United States, following the Newtown school massacre earlier this month.
