Police: Reno hospital shooter had ‘adverse symptoms’ to surgery

The gunman who killed one doctor and injured two others at a Reno hospital left a typed letter and suicide notes at his home indicating that he targeted the facility’s urology clinic and that he had “adverse symptoms” after a 2010 surgery, Reno police officials said Thursday.

Officials identified the gunman as Alan Oliver Frazier, 51, of Lake Almanor, Calif. He opened fire Tuesday afternoon inside the Urology Nevada clinic at Renown Medical Center.

In addition to finding notes in Frazier’s home, officials also found firearms, said Lt. William Rulla in a news conference.

“Inside, we located a typed letter indicating the suspect’s intention to commit this horrific act. We also located other firearms within the residence as well as notes indicating that the suspect’s actions during this incident were to be his final actions,” Rulla said.

“We may never know the suspect’s exact motive or reason for his actions, but there is an indication that his focus was on physicians at this specific office,” Rulla said.

Rulla said Frazier, who had surgery in 2010, claimed he had “adverse symptoms” due to the surgery. Officials did not say where he had the surgery or who performed it. Rulla said officials were looking into Frazier’s medical records to determine the nature of his surgery and claims.

Based on interviews with witnesses and victims, Rulla said Frazier entered through the main office doors at about 2 p.m. He made statements to front desk employees that he was looking for physicians, not patrons.

“The suspect then walked into the interior of the office, toward the examination rooms, where he encountered our first victim, Dr. Christine Lajeunesse. He then shot her point blank in the arm and torso, where she immediately fell to the floor,” Rulla said.

In the hallway, he encountered Dr. Charles Gholdoian, a 46-year-old urologist. He shot at the doctor and missed, hitting 20-year-old patient Shawntae Spears in the torso.

His third shot was again aimed at Gholdoian, who was hit in the torso and killed.

“The suspect then walked into the office area where he attempted to break into a locked room,” Rulla said. “There is indication that his fourth shot was through a smoked glass door, possibly in an attempt to gain access.”

After walking to the main lobby area, the gunman took his fifth and final shot: a self-inflicted gun wound to the head. Officers arrived at the scene about two minutes after the initial emergency call.

Rulla said Frazier’s primary firearm was a pistol grip 12-gauge shotgun. He also carried a 2-shot derringer pistol and a fully loaded .40-caliber handgun, which officials said he did not fire.

Officials were also searching Frazier’s pickup truck, which was at the scene.

Frazier’s last known job was at Mt. Lassen Power Company, where he worked as a power plant control room operator. Police have not found any criminal past involving him.

His ex-fiancee, Stephanie Wright-West, told the Associated Press on Thursday that Frazier had a history of mental illness. Wright-West said the two lived together for about six months when they were dating in the mid-1990s.

The victims are still being treated at Renown Medical Center, Angela Rambo, the center’s spokeswoman, told the Los Angeles Times.

Lajeunesse’s condition was not released. In a statement yesterday, the doctor only disclosed where she was being treated, Rambo said. Spears is in fair condition, Rambo said.

A group of interfaith clergy announced plans to hold a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Thursday in Pickett Park, across from Renown Regional Medical Center, according to the Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

Accounts have been set up at Wells Fargo bank branches for donors to help victims and their families.

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