Investigation Continues Into Southland Man Who Went On Murderous Rampage In Oregon

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Details continued to emerge on Friday involving a Southland man suspected of killing nine people and injuring seven others at a community college in Oregon.

On Thursday, a heavily armed gunman -- who was later identified as 26-year-old Chris Harper-Mercer -- shielded himself with body armor and opened fire on Umpqua Community College, located in Roseburg, Ore., according to law enforcement.

A shootout between Harper-Mercer and at least one officer subsequently led to his death. After paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, other gunshot victims were treated.

While law enforcement confirmed his identity to CBS News, local authorities in Oregon refused.

"Let me be very clear. I will not name the shooter. I will not give him the credit he probably sought prior to this horrific and cowardly act," John Hanlin, the sheriff of Douglas County, said during an evening news conference.

According to family members, Harper-Mercer had local ties to family here in Southern California.

His stepsister, Carmen Nesnick, explained he was born in the United Kingdom and later traveled to the U.S. as a young boy. His father lives in Tarzana.

Between 2011 and 2013, Harper-Mercer resided in a ground-floor apartment with his mother in Torrance before they moved to Oregon several years ago, according to KNX 1070's Jon Baird.

Neighbors at Arlington Apartments told CBS Los Angeles that he had a preoccupation with guns along with dressing in military-style clothing, but mostly kept to himself.

"He was kind of quiet, no friends," said one resident who saw the family frequently.

In 2009, Harper-Mercer graduated from Switzer Learning Center in Torrance, according to the Daily Breeze.

On Friday, CBS2's Jeff Nguyen said the principal of that school declined to talk to reporters.

The investigation into the college massacre continues as the motive for the shooting remains unclear.

"This is the 142nd school shooting since the attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School and the 45th this year alone," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "It is horrifying to watch more of our children and loved ones killed yet again by a murderer with a gun."

One student told a local publication in Oregon that the gunman inquired about students' religions before opening fire.

However, according to Nesnick, Harper-Mercer was neither a religious nor anti-religious person. She also stated her family is Christian.

Federal authorities are investigating whether the massacre was intended as a hate crime and if he targeted the victims.

Harper-Mercer created a lengthy social media presence for himself online.

A MySpace page showcased a photo of him holding a gun, and his dating profile listed hobbies as the Internet, killing zombies and a dislike for organized religions.

According to CBS News, six weapons were recovered at the scene. Seven additional firearms were located when investigators served a search warrant at the shooter's residence.

Investigators also discovered a note, that is several pages in length, and included statements that suggest Harper-Mercer may have been depressed and angry.

"We must do more," added Garcetti. "I would like to echo Pres. Obama's ask of the American people to think about how we can get our government to change these laws. In Los Angeles, we recently passed a ban on high capacity magazines and we will continue to find ways to stop this violence."

Authorities in Oregon explained the community college will remain closed until Monday if not throughout next week.

Nguyen spoke to a former Harper-Mercer neighbor who lived at the same apartment complex in Torrance.

Julia Winstead says she ran into his mother several times.

The most memorable time was when the mom asked her to sign a petition -- to have the building exterminated.

"She had said that he was really worked up over the roaches in his unit. And that they were going to have to stay in a motel until the problem was taken care of. I did not sign the petition because I'm not having any problems with that," Winstead said.