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Where'd They Get Their Guns?

An Analysis of the Firearms Used in High-Profile Shootings, 1963 to 2001

Date: June 21, 2000

Location: Santos Linguisa sausage factory, San Leandro, California

Alleged Shooter: Stuart Alexander

People Killed: Three

People Injured: None

Firearm(s): Beretta 9mm pistol and a Walther .380 pistol


Circumstances

Alexander developed a grudge against federal meat inspectors after his sausage factory was shut down in January 2000 for sanitation problems. On June 19, 2000, inspectors visited the factory again to serve Alexander warning of new violations. When the inspectors returned two days later for a surprise inspection, Alexander allegedly killed three, while one, who was waiting outside the building, escaped.


How Firearm(s) Acquired

Alexander's guns appear to have been possessed legally as they were recorded as being purchased by him. Alexander had no criminal record or involuntary mental health hospitalization that would have precluded him from purchasing guns. Alexander had previously been charged with beating a 75-year-old neighbor, but the charges were dismissed after Alexander paid the man $10,000.

 
  1. Matthai Chakko Kuruvila, "Friends Say Sausage Factory Owner Had Made Private Threats to Kill Inspectors," San Jose Mercury News, 28 June 2000.
  2. Brian Anderson and Scott Marshall, "Suspect in Meat Factory Shootings Charged With Four Counts of Homicide," Contra Costa Times, 24 June 2000.
  3. Demian Bulwa, "Inspector's Tingle of Fear; Inspector Sought Cops' Aid," San Francisco Examiner, 23 June 2000, sec. A, p. 1.

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 All contents � 2001 Violence Policy Center

 


The Violence Policy Center is a national non-profit educational foundation that conducts research on violence in America and works to develop violence-reduction policies and proposals. The Center examines the role of firearms in America, conducts research on firearms violence, and explores new ways to decrease firearm-related death and injury.