Family of Accused Michigan Shooter Wants to 'Determine Why and How This Occurred'
— -- Relatives of Michigan Uber driver Jason Dalton, who is accused of killing six people and injuring two others in a shooting spree this weekend, say they are devastated and hope to "help determine why and how this occurred."
"There are no words which can express our shock and disbelief, and we are devastated and saddened for the victims and the families of the victims," the Dalton family said in a statement.
"This type of violence has no place in our society, and we express our love and support for everyone involved," the statement said. "We intend to cooperate in every way that we can to help determine why and how this occurred."
Dalton, 45, is first accused of shooting a woman in a Kalamazoo parking lot around 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Michigan State Police said.
He's also the suspect in the deadly shooting of a father and son around 10 p.m. Saturday at a car dealership, state police said.
Dalton then allegedly approached two cars in a Cracker Barrel Restaurant parking lot and shot five people, state police said. Four of the victims in the two cars died, police said.
The family said they express their "deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of the shootings."
"We cannot comprehend the grief which you are feeling, and, while it seems woefully inadequate, we are deeply sorry and are praying for everyone affected," they said.
"Our hope is for peace and healing for the victims, the families of the victims, the Kalamazoo Community and those touched by these events throughout the Nation.”
Dalton was charged with six counts of murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit murder and eight charges of using a firearm during the commission of a felony, Kalamazoo County prosecuting attorney Jeff Getting said.
He made his first appearance in court via video today as a judge read the charges against him.
Dalton said he wanted to remain silent. His bail was denied and his next court appearance was scheduled for March 3.
