Gramma Orders Flags At Half-Staff Following Deadly Parade Shooting

Kalnier governor says state 'mourns the loss' of parade-goers

APPENBAUM, KLN--Kalnier Governor Joe Gramma has ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff on Monday, in memory of the five people who died following a deadly shooting at a parade Friday in central Kalnier.

The attack happened in the small town of Dunsman, about two hours southwest of Lamberth. Police say 39-year-old Michael Dressey was driving a car in the parade when he suddenly stopped his vehicle and began shooting bullets into the crowd of spectators. One victim died at the scene, two others died hours later at area hospitals. Over the weekend, two other victims succumbed to their injuries. Five other victims were injured but are expected to recover.

Dressey fled the scene, but was found by police about an hour later hiding in a garage just three miles away from where the shooting occurred. He was arrested and charged with five counts of 1st degree murder, five counts of 1st degree attempted murder, one count of felony evasion, and one count of burglary. He is currently being held without bail, and will make his first court appearance Monday.

On Sunday, Governor Joe Gramma ordered all flags be lowered to half-staff on Monday, in honor of the victims of the deadly shooting spree. At a news conference at the state capitol, Gramma said "the entire state mourns the loss" of the victims.

"This is not just a tragedy for the town of Dunsman. This is a tragedy for the entire state of Kalnier," Gramma said. "And we want the people of this community to know that we are banding together with them in prayer and support during this difficult time."

Sheppard County Sheriff Rick Hanvee said his department, along with the Dunsman Police Department, are still investigating. Police believe the motive for the crime was a dispute between Dressey and his ex-wife. The couple is recently divorced.

Dressey's ex-wife was injured in the attack, but is expected to recover. Police believe she was the main target of the attack, but authorities say the other victims were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Dunsman Mayor Michael Caylee announced a candlelight vigil will be held Monday at the city park. The street where the shooting occurred has been closed since the shooting, to accommodate a shrine created by mourning community members. However, that street is expected to re-open sometime next week.