Vegas killer gave no warning of violence, says girlfriend
Marilou Danley says she was duped into flying to the Philippines on a “cheap ticket” by her boyfriend Stephen Paddock two weeks before he went on his horror Las Vegas killing spree.
A small memorial on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Photo: EPA/Paul Buck
Danley, an Australian citizen who was born in the Philippines, said on Wednesday she had no idea the “kind, caring, quiet” Paddock was planning what would become America’s worst modern-day shooting rampage.
“He never said anything to me or took any action that I was aware of that I understood in any way to be a warning something horrible like this was going to happen,” Danley said in a statement read by her Los Angeles lawyer, Matthew Lombard.
It was the 62-year-old former Nevada casino employee’s first public statement since Sunday night’s attack.
Lombard delivered it after Danley, described as a “person of interest”, was interviewed by FBI agents at their Los Angeles headquarters on Wednesday.
She said she voluntarily flew back to the Philippines because she wanted to fully co-operate with the FBI and Las Vegas police investigation.
The former Gold Coast resident said she thought Paddock was going to break up with her when he enticed her out of the US with the plane ticket then wired money to her in the Philippines to buy a house.
A question authorities have been attempting to solve is why Paddock sent $US100,000 ($A127,150).
“A little more than two weeks ago Stephen told me he found a cheap ticket for me to the Philippines and that he wanted me to take a trip home to visit my family,” she said.
“While there he wired me money which he said was for me to buy a house for me and my family.
“I was grateful but honestly I was worried that first the unexpected trip home and then the money was a way of breaking up with me.
“It never occurred to me in anyway whatsoever that he was planning violence against anyone.”
Danley did not mention Paddock’s arsenal of guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and explosives found at the Nevada homes they shared.
Marilou Danley. Photo: EPA/Supplied by Las Vegas police
Paddock planned the massacre by choosing a suite on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino with a view of a country music festival across the Strip.
After his attack, police believe he took his own life before they could storm the room.
“I am devastated by the deaths and injuries that occurred and my prayers go out to the victims and their families and all of those who have been hurt by these awful events,” Ms Danley said.
“I have faith in God and I will continue to pray for everyone who has been harmed or hurt.
“I am a mother and a grandmother and my heart breaks for all who have lost loved ones.
“I knew Stephen Paddock as a kind, caring, quiet man.
“I loved him and hoped for a quiet future together with him.”
– AAP
