How the Theater Shooting Unfolded

A gunman opened fire on moviegoers in a Lafayette, Louisiana, theater Thursday night, leaving two women dead and nine people injured.

Here is a step-by-step preliminary look at how the shooting unfolded.

THE GUNMAN:

The gunman, John Russel Houser, 59, opened fire around 7:30 p.m. at the Grand 16 Theater. The shooting was reportedly at a showing of Amy Schumer's "Trainwreck."

There were 300 people in the building at the time, police said, and 25 tickets were sold for the movie where the shooting took place. Houser bought a ticket before entering, police said.

THE VICTIMS:

Two moviegoers were killed: Jillian Johnson, 33, of Lafayette, Mayci Breaux, 21, of Franklin, Louisiana, which is about 50 miles away.

Nine people were injured. Seven victims remained in the hospital Friday.

THE APPARENT ESCAPE PLAN:

Police said it was apparent Houser "was intent on shooting and escaping" because he left his 1995 blue Lincoln Continental near the exit. But law enforcement responded before he could get away and they forced him back into the theater, police said. Houser then died from a self-inflicted wound, according to police.

UNKNOWN MOTIVE:

The gunman's motive was unknown, according to authorities, and police said they believe Houser acted alone.

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