Talovic motive elusive
Isolating reason for actions is tricky, chief says
"That's what it looks like at this point," Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank says. "Something in his makeup, his experience, everything else, caused him to think that this was a way to deal with his problems or emotions."
In an interview with the Deseret Morning News, Burbank acknowledged that the motive for Talovic's homicidal rampage at the Trolley Square mall may be something that the killer took to his grave.
"I think at the end of the day, we will have an idea of contacts and influences in his life," Burbank said Friday. "My fear is we're not going to be able to point to any one thing and say, 'This is what caused him to do what he did."'
Detectives have been able to eliminate a number of potential motives. Police have questioned schoolmates, co-workers, family and friends of the 18-year-old to gain insight into his life.
"I think it will be a collective of all of these influences that may have led him down this road," Burbank said. "But what makes an individual choose that, such a violent act and such an apparently random act?"
Profile of a loner
Homicide detectives and FBI agents have been building a profile of Talovic. A picture is emerging of a quiet "loner guy" who didn't interact with a lot of people. One of the biggest influences in Talovic's life appears to be his childhood in war-scarred Bosnia, the chief said.
"Some of the things he experienced and may have seen and been involved in. I think coming to a new country, being a refugee, trying to fit into schools, (the) language barrier," Burbank said. "All of these things go into that. You never know how that affects an individual."
Police said it appears Talovic had very little access to a computer. There was no video-game system in his home. Authorities don't believe he had any links to gangs or was trying to join one.
Burbank said they also do not believe there are any links to terrorism. To be sure, the chief said the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force ran Talovic's name through national security databases to determine if there were any possible ties.
"We're not seeing any of that," he said.
Numerous interviews have not produced any evidence that anyone even knew what Talovic was plotting. Salt Lake City police said the shooting appears to be completely random. Talovic had no connection to his victims or even the mall itself.
"It could have been something he decided that day or something he decided a year ago," Burbank said.
The only one who apparently had some kind of clue is a 17-year-old Bosnian refugee living in Amarillo, Texas. Monika (who asked the Deseret Morning News not to use her last name) had an over-the-phone relationship with Talovic. The night before the Trolley Square massacre, she spoke with him. Talovic told Monika she was going to be mad at him the next day.
Comments
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Big Ben celebrates 150 years 10:42 a.m.
- North Korean cyberattacks? 10:39 a.m.
- China raises death toll from riots 10:37 a.m.
- 'Smart Home' block party in Provo 10:35 a.m.
- Man injured in Taylorsville stabbing 10:22 a.m.
- Dispose of old TVs 10:16 a.m.
- Man killed in motorcycle crash 10:16 a.m.
- Man pleads guilty in fatal crash 10:02 a.m.
- 16 killed in Somalia 9:23 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
231 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
151 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
138 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
102 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
95 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
lets go dig it up they're not indeginous to here or related to us. but i...
That is a terrible lead! When did this happen? What does this picture from 10...
"Who are you calling a pedophile? While I do believe Mr. Pratt is guilty of a...
While in this country, there is presumed innocence until proven guilty,...
Hey john p lambert. Who appointed you the board moderator. Get a life! No one...
:-P It's a Saturday, the kids are still sleeping, I'm on a mobile (not...
"those of you without sin cast the first stone"
Kruger has been impressive. It's a tough call...Kruger or Ronnie Price. As...
the men were politely asked to leave, but instead of leaving they got...
Back when the city sold this block to the church, it would be a thorn in the...


You can be the first to comment on this story.