Warrants reveal how accused UNCC shooter chose location, got gun

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Search warrants are revealing new details about the accused University of North Carolina at Charlotte shooter and the moments officers first arrested him.

UNC Charlotte’s chancellor called the mass shooting on April 30 the “darkest day” in the university’s history.

The warrants show the accused gunman, Trystan Terrell told police he walked into the Kennedy building to shoot people, and police said he loaded his gun in the bathroom before walking into a classroom, where he opened fire.

That’s when student Riley Howell tackled him and sacrificed his life to save others, police said.

Warrants indicate the gunman just laid there until officers arrived.

The warrants also reveal Terrell “described to detectives where and how he got the gun, research he had conducted on mass shooting, and how he chose the location.” Police said the gunman “used his laptop to conduct research.”

Police seized his laptop when they searched his apartment in NoDa and documents Channel 9 obtained in May show investigators also found gun range targets, gun parts and six boxes of bullets.

UNC CHARLOTTE TRAGEDY FULL COVERAGE:

• NC high schools sell bracelets to raise money for 'Riley Howell Foundation'
• 'My superhero doesn't wear a cape': Riley Howell's loved ones say final goodbye
• Riley Howell's family reflects on impact UNCC student had on others
• Hundreds line streets as heroic UNCC students's body escorted home
• 'I want that to be his legacy': Heroic UNCC student tackled gunman
• UNCC alum, NFL player Larry Ogunjobi finds new hero in Riley Howell
• Slain UNCC student first citizen to receive CMPD Medal of Valor
• Classroom where gunman opened fire at UNCC will not be used next school year
• UNCC shooting survivor returns home from hospital
• Second student lauded for lifesaving actions during UNCC shooting

Channel 9 also learned the state gave the two students killed, Riley Howell’s and Reed Parlier’s families money for funeral expenses from the state’s crime victims compensation fund.

The UNCC Chancellor sent a letter to students Thursday that said there will be more police on campus and more security at big events as students return this fall.

The university is also offering counseling to students, faculty and staff, and training on how to respond to an active shooter. There will also be safety posters in every classroom with guidance on what to do in an emergency.

Cox Media Group