The victims of a Thursday night shooting at a movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana, were identified by police at a Friday morning press conference as Mayci Breaux, 21, and Jillian Johnson, 33.
Jillian Johnson (left) and Mayci Breaux
Breaux was a student at Louisiana State University, according to her Facebook page. Her friends and family spoke out on social media to thank people for their support. One woman tweeted a photo of her, saying, "missing my sweet Mayci Breaux so much already."
Breaux was studying to become a radiology technician, her mother, Dondie Breaux, told The New York Daily News. âI lost one of my best friends,â Breaux said.
The heartbroken mother added that her daughter and longtime boyfriend were talking about settling down and starting a family.
âThey were so good for each other. They had so many plans -- just to get married, have kids,â she said.
Those who knew Johnson also expressed their grief on social media. Johnson was the co-owner of Red Arrow Workshop, a gift boutique she ran with her husband, Jason Brown, in Lafayette, according to a LinkedIn profile that appeared to belong to her.
Johnson was a âonce-in-a-lifetime gal,â her husband wrote in a message posted on the Red Arrow Workshop Facebook page Friday morning. âShe was the love of my life and I will miss her always,â he wrote.
Nine others were injured in the incident.
The gunman, identified at the press conference as 59-year-old John Russel Houser, shot them and then turned the gun on himself. A witness said the shooting began when an âolder white manâ stood up and opened fire about 20 minutes into the 7 p.m. showing of the comedy âTrainwreckâ at Lafayetteâs Grand 16 Theatre.
The gunman was described by police as a "drifter" who was living in a motel. Police said they found wigs and disguises when they searched his room.
This post has been updated with more information on Breaux and Johnson.