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'Friendly' Alabama Gunman Kept Hit List

But he compiled a hit list of people who had slighted him

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 11, 2009 6:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Michael McLendon's story is beginning to emerge in the aftermath of his Alabama shooting spree. The 28-year-old "was just friendly with everyone, and kind of stayed to himself," a former classmate tells the LA Times. "That's why this is such a shock." The gun-obsessed McLendon, however, had compiled a list of people who had slighted him and sought revenge, investigators say. He also had stocked up on ammunition, indicating he'd been planning the spree for awhile, notes the Dothan Eagle.

Police found notes with the names at the burned home of McLendon's mother, his first victim. The names also apparently included co-workers at two former jobs—a bakery and the meat-packing plant where he eventually killed himself. McLendon had quit the latter job last week. "He was well-liked by his co-workers, and just worked well with his teammates," said a manager.

Toys are seen at the scene of a shooting at a Samson, Ala., home on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
Toys are seen at the scene of a shooting at a Samson, Ala., home on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Coffee County Sheriff Dave Sutton walks away from the  burned out Kinston, Ala., home of Lisa McLendon.
Coffee County Sheriff Dave Sutton walks away from the burned out Kinston, Ala., home of Lisa McLendon.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Family members of shooting victim James Alfred White, 55; son-in-law Earl Johnson, back left, his wife KayJohnson, right, and their son, leave White's house in Samson.
Family members of shooting victim James Alfred White, 55; son-in-law Earl Johnson, back left, his wife KayJohnson, right, and their son, leave White's house in Samson.   (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Television reporters surround the scene of a shooting at a Samson, Ala., home.
Television reporters surround the scene of a shooting at a Samson, Ala., home.   (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
This undated photo obtained by the Associated Press shows Michael McLendon.
This undated photo obtained by the Associated Press shows Michael McLendon.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Mar 12, 2009 8:04 PM CDT
The AP called this the "worst massacre in Alabama history." But I'm pretty sure the Klan did worse in 1927.
Guest
Mar 12, 2009 6:10 AM CDT
Your sense of the word "amusing" seems, at best, non-standard.
Guest
Mar 12, 2009 4:23 AM CDT
I am amused that, when the young man was dissatisfied with the progress of his life, with his job(s), that instead of applying himself, working hard and studying/retraining, he decides to shoot people. Quite amusing actually. Though obviously, not for those who were killed for raising such a person or for knowing such a person, or for being around when such a person cracked. The guy's brain decided guns over education. Quite interesting and amusing in a sick kind of way.
 

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