A pair of prominent YouTubers were forced to hide in a cupboard after an obsessive supporter broke into their Texas home and began shooting a handgun.
The duo were forced to call Austin Police from the enclosed space after the man, identified as New Mexico local Christopher Giles, fired at least one round in their home in the early hours of Monday morning (local time).
The intruder was allegedly attempting to murder Slow Mo Guys creator Gavin Free, who is in a long-term relationship with fellow US YouTuber and cosplayer Meg Turney - a woman Giles had allegedly "developed a fondness" for.
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By the time the police arrived - which Free estimates was just four minutes later - Giles had given up searching for the couple, and had returned to his car in an attempt to drive away.
Police intercepted him, however, and when Giles fired at them they shot back. He died from gunshot wounds, police said.
After Giles was confirmed to have died, police undertook a search of his home and belongings. They say they expect to find "evidence related to the planned burglary and homicide" and describe him as an avid YouTube viewer who was "single, lonely and disturbed".
Free has since posted a tweet on behalf of himself and Turney expressing their gratitude to their hordes of fans and police in the aftermath of the attack.
"I just wanted to say thanks for all the support and concern regarding the recent incident," he wrote.
"It's been a rough time for Meg and myself the last few weeks but we are doing ok. I want to give a huge thanks to Austin Police for the amazing response time. Heart you all."
Newshub.
