Orange mass shooting suspect knew victims, including 9-year-old boy: Police

The alleged gunman, identified as 44-year-old Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, is accused of opening fire in the 200 block of West Lincoln Avenue around 5:30 pm. The suites where the shootings occurred belong to an associated business called Unified Homes, a real estate company that specializes in mobile homes.

"The preliminary motive is believed to be related to a business and personal relationship which existed between the suspect and all of the victims," Orange Police Department spokesperson Lt. Jennifer Amat said at Thursday's news conference, local news reported. "This was not a random act of violence."

Police emphasized that the violent act was an isolated incident and not random. A motive still remains under investigation. A backpack believed to belong to Gonzalez was also recovered, containing pepper spray, handcuffs, and ammunition.

Police had arrived on-scene and engaged the shooter. Orange Police Lt. Jennifer Amat revealed that the suspect had chained the gates to the premise closed, forcing officers to engage the man from outside. Gonzalez was hit multiple times and remains in critical condition. A surviving adult female victim is also hospitalized.

The child, one of four people slain, died in the arms of his mother who was also shot while trying to protect her son during the fatal event before he passed. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said at the morning press conference that the mother was "trying to save him during this horrific massacre."

The attack is considered the city's deadliest shooting since 1997 when 41-year-old former Caltrans worker Arturo Torres, who had been fired from his position as an equipment operator, killed four ex-coworkers and wounded at least three others at the state maintenance yard in the vengeful rampage, the Orange County Register reported.

"Horrifying and heartbreaking. Our hearts are with the families impacted by this terrible tragedy tonight," tweeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom after the tragedy this week.

Rep. Katie Porter, who represents Orange County, noted via Twitter that she and her staff will continue to monitor the situation: "I'm deeply saddened by reports of a mass shooting in Orange County, and I'm continuing to keep victims and their loved ones in my thoughts as we continue to learn more."