HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The former television reporter Vester Flanagan, known on-air as Bryce Williams, who murdered two of his former co-workers at WDBJ on air during a live broadcast Tuesday morning reportedly once applied for a job with WAFF 48 News in Alabama.
WAFF news director Adam Henning said the reporter applied, but was never given an interview, after a look into his work history raised some red flags.
“I checked with people I know who worked with him at a previous station and the feedback was not indicative of the kind of employee we would want on our team so we passed,” said Henning. “The feedback included things like getting in a fight at a company Christmas party and being difficult to work with.
“That was more than enough to know he wasn’t going to be someone we would want working here.”
WDBJ general manager Jeff Marks identified the shooting victims as 24-year-old Alison Parker and 27-year-old Adam Ward.
Flanagan reportedly filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after he fired from WDBJ.
“We are working with police to get to the bottom of this senseless crime,” said Marks. “How can this individual have robbed these families, the families of Alison and Adam of their lives and their happiness and their love.”
After a multiple-hour long pursuit, Flanagan turned his gun on himself, and later died from the injuries.
The third victim of Flanagan’s attack, Vicki Gardner, was shot in the back, but is expected to make a full recovery.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
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