Police have defended a deadly shooting rampage in California as a clear case of "a madman on the loose" while defending their decision not to arrest him for previously violating a court order prohibiting him from having guns.
At a tense news conference, police conceded that neighbours had repeatedly complained about Kevin Neal firing hundreds of rounds from his house among other erratic and violent behaviour.
Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston said authorities responded to neighbours' calls several times, but the 44-year-old Neal wouldn't open the door, so they left.
"He was not law enforcement friendly. He would not come to the door," Johnston said. "You have to understand we can't anticipate what people are going to do. We don't have a crystal ball."
On Tuesday, Neal shot and killed five people and wounded at least eight others at different locations around the rural community of Rancho Tehama Reserve. Police later shot and killed him.
Police found the bullet-riddled body of Neal's wife stuffed under the floorboards of their home. They believe her slaying was the start of the rampage.
Neal then shot two of his neighbours in an apparent act of revenge before he went looking for random victims at different locations that included the community's elementary school. All those killed were adults but authorities have said that children were among the wounded.
Asked about Neal's motive, Johnston responded: "Madman on the loose. The case is remarkably clear. We will move forward and we will start the healing process."
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