Christina Grimmie ‘shot by deranged fan’

Police believe Christina Grimmie was murdered by a deranged fan.

The 22-year-old singer was shot dead by a 21-year-old male in Orlando following a concert on Friday (10.06.16) and although no official motive has been revealed, police believe the man, who then turned the gun on himself, was a disturbed fan.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said during a press conference: "That would be speculation, but that’s what it’s looking like.

"There’s no indication that he knew her, we’re looking into that to try and find a motive for the crime."

He added that police were currently searching through the dead suspect’s phone and computer to find a possible motive for the murder.

Police Chief Mina went on to praise Christina’s brother Marcus for "almost immediately" tackling the suspect.

He said: "Very heroic actions by Marcus to jump in, and definitely could have prevented further loss of life."

Christina opened for the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live in Orlando and stayed on afterwards to sign autographs for fans when the attacker – who was carrying two handguns, two loaded magazines and a hunting knife – approached her and opened fire.

Her death was confirmed in a statement from her representative, which read: "It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gunshot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning."

Christina – who appeared on season six of ‘The Voice USA’ – first found fame as a teenager for her renditions of hit songs, which led to her developing a huge following on YouTube.

She released her debut recording ‘Find Me’ in 2011, while the singer’s second EP – ‘Side A’ – was released earlier this year.