MILWAUKEE (AP) — The man who killed six Sikh worshippers at a Wisconsin temple before fatally shooting himself had a history of alcohol problems and underwent a noticeable personality change in the preceding year, according to an investigative report released Tuesday.
The report said Wade Michael Page's sister told investigators he had a bloated appearance that made her wonder if he had been drinking recently. She also said she noticed Page become more intense over the past year, as if he had lost his wit and sense of humor. She said he took everything literally.
Page, 40, opened fire Aug. 5 before a service was to start at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in a suburb south of Milwaukee. He killed six people and wounded four others before he was shot in the abdomen during a firefight with police. He died after he shot himself in the head.
The Milwaukee County medical examiner's office, which released the investigative report, officially ruled his death a suicide.
Page's sister told authorities her brother didn't use drugs but had a history of alcohol problems. Online court records show a history of drunken driving and a 1994 arrest in Texas after Page got drunk and kicked holes in the wall of a bar.
Toxicology reports, which would show whether he had drugs or alcohol in his system during the shooting spree, are still pending.
The FBI and local authorities are still trying to piece together Page's motive in the attack on the temple. He had ties to white supremacy groups and had recently broken up with his girlfriend.
One person wounded in the attack remains hospitalized. Punjab Singh was in critical condition Tuesday. The others have been released, two after lengthy stays.
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Dinesh Ramde can be reached at dramde(at)ap.org.
