Marilou Danley, the girlfriend of Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock, has delivered her first statement in the aftermath of Sunday night’s mass shooting.
After travelling from the Philippines to Los Angeles to assist in FBI investigations, Danley addressed the incident through her attorney Matthew Lombard.
“I am devastated by the deaths and injuries that have occurred, and my prayers go out to the victims and their families, and all those who’ve been hurt by these awful events,” Danley said.
Describing her relationship with Paddock, Danley said “I knew Stephen Paddock as a kind, caring, quiet man. I loved him, and hoped for a quiet future together with him.”
“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 that something horrible like this was going to happen.”
Discussing her travel from America to the Philippines a fortnight ago, Danley said Paddock had purchased a cheap ticket for her so she could see her family and friends. Addressing the US $100,000 wired to her after her arrival, Danley said it 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 any way whatsoever that he was planning violence against anyone.”
Girlfriend of Vegas shooter says “never occurred to me in any way” that Paddock was planning violence, in statement. https://t.co/VGsN99qnEM
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 4, 2017
Danley’s sisters, who live in Queensland, spoke to 7 News last night under the condition of anonymity. They said she wasn’t connected to the killings in any way, and that Danley was “sent away” so that “he can plan what he is planning without interruptions.”
Las Vegas massacre: Marilou Danley’s sisters say they are in shock, and insist she had no idea of the horror her partner was plotting #7News pic.twitter.com/fGE7lLj8Kg
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 4, 2017
Danley will continue to face questions from the FBI regarding the incident, which saw 59 people killed and hundreds wounded. It’s expected she’ll be interviewed regarding any possible motive for the attack, and why Paddock had amassed such a large arsenal in the time before the shooting.
