As the investigation continues into the Las Vegas massacre, disturbing details are emerging. Law enforcement officials are now confirming that Stephen Paddock, wired $100,00 to the Philippines a week before the shooting. That is the home country of his live-in companion, 62-year-old Marilou Danley.
Photo credit | NBC News
Paddock, a millionaire, and avid gambler opened fire on concertgoers Sunday night. Firing from his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay resort, he killed 59 people and wounded more than 500. Police are confirming that Danley was in the Philippines at the time of Paddock’s rampage. They do not believe she is involved.
“We have had conversations with her and we believed her, at this time, not to be involved. But obviously that investigation will continue,” says Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo. “She was not with [Paddock] when he checked in. We have discovered he was utilizing some of her identification.”
Authorities are not certain if Paddock sent the money to Danley, her family, or for some other purpose. Investigators are hoping that she can answer some of these questions when she returns to the U.S. on Wednesday. The exact time and place of her arrival are unknown.
New Information
Photo credit | Newsweek
In addition, a search of Paddock’s home and vehicle are shedding more light on the situation. On top of the 23 weapons found in his hotel room, 19 more were discovered in his house in Mesquite, NV. Even more disturbing, several pounds of ammonium nitrate and tannerite were found in his car.
Significantly, ammonium nitrate is a high-nitrogen fertilizer. It is readily available, easy to purchase, and conveniently makes homemade bombs. By itself, the chemical is not dangerous. But, mixed with other chemicals it becomes extremely volatile. And, it is the ingredient of choice for some of the world’s most deadly terrorist groups.
While officials are not commenting on why Paddock was in possession of the chemicals or his potential motive, a sinister picture is developing. Family members are painting a portrait of a “normal guy,” but normal guys do not stockpile illegal weapons and deadly explosives. And, they certainly do not kill innocent people.
