California shooting victims: All 12 named, from US Navy veteran to law student

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James Morris9 November 2018

All 12 victims of America’s latest shooting have been named.

Eleven of them were enjoying a night out at a country music bar in southern California when gunman Ian David Long entered and began his murderous rampage.

The other victim, Sgt Ron Helus, ran into Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks to help them.

As authorities continued investigating on Friday, the victims’ stories began to emerge.

Telemachus Orfanos, 27

Mr Orfanos was a US Navy veteran. Known as “Tel”, his friends described his “thick beard, easy smile and gladiator helmet tattoo”. His Facebook page was embellished with patriotic graphics and one post marked the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

His mother, Susan Schmidt-Orfanos, said: “Here are my words: I want gun control. I don't want prayers. I don't want thoughts."

Sean Adler, 48

A photo of Sean Adler during a vigil at the Rivalry Roasters coffee shop he owned
Jae Hong/AP

Mr Adler was a security guard at Borderline Bar and Grill who would stay late to ensure people got home safely, said long-time friend Debbie Allen. The married father of two boys died doing what he was passionate about, she said, which was protecting people.

Ms Allen said: "He was a very, very big personality and had a very, very gorgeous smile.” His other passion, she said, was coffee. Adler recently opened his own coffee shop, Rivalry Roasters, in Simi Valley, said Phil Englander, another long-time friend.

Noel Sparks, 21

A picture of Noel Sparks during a candlelight vigil in Thousand Oaks
Ringo Chiu/AP

Ms Sparks was a college student who frequented Borderline. She had posted a photo of herself dancing there on the night of the shooting and celebrated her 21st birthday there in August.

Her aunt Patricia Sparks, said: “She was an all-around good girl. She was the kind of girl that if you had friends, you'd want them to marry her."

Alaina Housley, 18

Alaina Housley was a Pepperdine University freshman
Adam Housley/AP

Ms Housley was a student at nearby Pepperdine University with plans to study law. Her father was Adam Housley, a former Fox News correspondent, and Tamera Mowry-Housley, an actress known for the 1990s TV series Sister Sister.

They said in a statement: “Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her, and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner.”

Justin Meek, 23

Justin Meek, 23, was one of the victims at the Borderline Bar in Thousand Oaks
AP

Mr Meek had just graduated from California Lutheran University and cared for children with special needs. He also performed as an acapella singer and worked at the Borderline bar. Friends said he “saved lives” before he was shot dead, though there were no further details.

Friend Patrick Ellis said: "He was a hero every day of his life. It was just always positive energy. Anything he could do for you, he was just there." His sister, Victoria, also worked at Borderline but survived the attack.

Cody Coffman, 22

Mr Coffman was preparing to join the US Army at the time of his death, his weeping father Jason told reporters after he was shot dead at Borderline. The passionate baseball fan had three siblings aged between six and nine, and was excited for the birth of a sister later this month.

"Cody was the big brother that my kids need," Mr Coffman said. "He was so excited to have his first sister and now she'll never know…” He trailed off, sobbing. He then said: "Oh, Cody, I love you, son."

Ron Helus, unknown age

Sgt Ron Helus was the first victim to be named following the shooting on Thursday. The hero cop ran into Borderline to help other victims after the gunman fired shots at revellers. Sheriff Geoff Dean said he "undoubtedly" saved lives by going in to confront the gunman.

He was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son. He had planned to retire within the next year.

The five other victims have been named as Daniel Manrique, Kristina Morisette, Jake Dunham, Blake Dingman and Marky Meza Jr. Little information was known about them as of Friday morning.

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