Spencer Hight
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Plano, Texas
TIME PERIOD
September 10, 2017
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
On September 10, 2017, a mass shooting occurred at 1712 West Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas, during a Dallas Cowboys viewing party hosted by Meredith Lane. The shooter, 32-year-old Spencer Hight, killed eight individuals, including friends and family, before being fatally shot by responding police officers. The incident resulted in nine deaths, including Hight, and one injury. Hight, who had a history of alcohol abuse and domestic violence, was reportedly targeting his ex-wife, Meredith, following their separation and her filing for divorce. The investigation revealed that Hight used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and other firearms during the attack, and the motive remains unclear.
Spencer Hight's actions during the mass shooting are believed to be linked to his deteriorating mental state, exacerbated by job loss, isolation, and heavy alcohol consumption. Some speculate that his abusive behavior towards his wife contributed to the violent outcome, as reports indicate he had a history of domestic violence. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the divorce filing may have triggered the shooting, reflecting a possible motive rooted in emotional turmoil and desperation.
The Tragedy in Plano: A Tale of Anguish and Loss
On September 10, 2017, a horrifying mass shooting unfolded at a seemingly ordinary suburban home in Plano, Texas. The events of that evening left an indelible mark on the community and claimed the lives of nine people, including the perpetrator, Spencer James Hight. This is the story of how a once-promising life spiraled into tragedy.
A Strained Relationship
Spencer James Hight, born on October 20, 1984, in Orange County, California, and Meredith Lane met during their college years at the University of Texas at Dallas. Meredith had previously attended a school in Georgia before transferring to UTD. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in May 2011, and in 2015, they purchased a home together in Plano, Texas. However, beneath the surface of their union lay troubling undercurrents.
Meredith's mother later recounted a violent incident where Hight slammed his wife's head against a wall, an event never reported to the police. Hight's life took a downturn after he lost his job as a contractor at Texas Instruments shortly after buying their home. By March, the couple had separated, and Meredith filed for divorce in July, citing "discord or conflict of personalities." Her mother claimed the divorce was driven by Hight's physical abuse and alcoholism, which Meredith had endured while trying to help him for two years.
The Gathering
On that fateful September day, Meredith hosted a Dallas Cowboys watching party at their Plano home. It was a gathering of friends and coworkers meant to be filled with camaraderie and cheers. At around 8 p.m., the tranquility shattered as officers responded to a report of 30 to 40 shots fired.
Inside the house, chaos reigned. Police officers arrived and confronted Spencer Hight, who was heavily armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a Kushnapup Series V shotgun, and a Ruger .380-caliber pistol. In the ensuing shootout, Hight was killed by the police. The aftermath was devastating—nine adults lay inside the home, victims of gunshot wounds. Seven were already dead, and two more were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, one of the injured succumbed to their injuries.
Victims and a Community in Mourning
The victims, all in their twenties and thirties, included Meredith Lane, 27, and her friends who had gathered for what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Among them were Anthony Cross, 33; Olivia Deffner, 24; James Dunlop, 29; Daryl Hawkins, 22; Rion Morgan, 31; Myah Bass, 28; and Caleb Edwards, 25. Carly Shockey, 25, survived despite being shot in the face. James Richard Dunlop had been the best man at Hight and Lane's wedding, and Rion Christopher Morgan had served as a groomsman.
Plano Police Chief Greg W. Rushin expressed the community's shock, stating, "We've never had a shooting of this magnitude; never had this many victims."
The Aftermath and Legal Repercussions
The Junior League of Collin County organized a vigil ten days after the tragedy to honor the victims. Spencer Hight's family issued a statement expressing their sorrow and condolences, acknowledging that there was no rational excuse for his horrific actions.
The events of that day led to legal consequences beyond the immediate tragedy. In April 2019, a bartender at Local Public House in Plano faced charges for serving Hight alcohol, despite his evident intoxication. The bartender had texted a friend expressing concern about Hight's behavior, noting that he had a large knife and had made ominous comments before leaving to commit the murders. The charge carried a potential fine of up to $500, a year in jail, or both. However, in October 2019, a grand jury decided not to indict her.
In a civil lawsuit, the sole survivor, Carly Shockey, was awarded $85 million in 2021 against the bar that had served Hight. This decision underscored the broader implications of the tragic events and the responsibility of establishments in preventing such tragedies.
Lives Lost
- Meredith Hight, 27
- Anthony Cross, 33
- Olivia Deffner, 24
- James Dunlop, 29
- Daryl Hawkins, 22
- Rion Morgan, 31
- Myah Bass, 28
- Caleb Edwards, 25
- Carly Shockey, 25 (survived)
Sources
For further details, you can visit the original Wikipedia article: Spencer Hight.
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Mass Shooting Occurs
Spencer Hight kills eight people at a Dallas Cowboys watch party before being shot by police.
Police Respond to Shooting
Officers arrive at the scene after reports of gunfire and find nine adults with gunshot wounds.
Victims Identified
Authorities identify the victims, including the shooter’s ex-wife, Meredith Hight.
Investigation Continues
Police reveal details about Spencer Hight's isolation and struggles leading up to the shooting.
Bartender Charged
A bartender is charged for serving alcohol to Hight while knowing he was intoxicated.
Grand Jury Decision
A grand jury declines to indict the bartender involved in serving Hight before the shooting.
Lawsuit Verdict
A jury awards $85 million to the sole survivor of the shooting in a lawsuit against the bar.
Vigil for Victims
A vigil is held for the victims of the mass shooting organized by the Junior League of Collin County.
On September 10, 2017, a mass shooting occurred at 1712 West Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas, during a Dallas Cowboys viewing party hosted by Meredith Lane. The shooter, 32-year-old Spencer Hight, killed eight individuals, including friends and family, before being fatally shot by responding police officers. The incident resulted in nine deaths, including Hight, and one injury. Hight, who had a history of alcohol abuse and domestic violence, was reportedly targeting his ex-wife, Meredith, following their separation and her filing for divorce. The investigation revealed that Hight used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and other firearms during the attack, and the motive remains unclear.
Spencer Hight's actions during the mass shooting are believed to be linked to his deteriorating mental state, exacerbated by job loss, isolation, and heavy alcohol consumption. Some speculate that his abusive behavior towards his wife contributed to the violent outcome, as reports indicate he had a history of domestic violence. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the divorce filing may have triggered the shooting, reflecting a possible motive rooted in emotional turmoil and desperation.
The Tragedy in Plano: A Tale of Anguish and Loss
On September 10, 2017, a horrifying mass shooting unfolded at a seemingly ordinary suburban home in Plano, Texas. The events of that evening left an indelible mark on the community and claimed the lives of nine people, including the perpetrator, Spencer James Hight. This is the story of how a once-promising life spiraled into tragedy.
A Strained Relationship
Spencer James Hight, born on October 20, 1984, in Orange County, California, and Meredith Lane met during their college years at the University of Texas at Dallas. Meredith had previously attended a school in Georgia before transferring to UTD. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in May 2011, and in 2015, they purchased a home together in Plano, Texas. However, beneath the surface of their union lay troubling undercurrents.
Meredith's mother later recounted a violent incident where Hight slammed his wife's head against a wall, an event never reported to the police. Hight's life took a downturn after he lost his job as a contractor at Texas Instruments shortly after buying their home. By March, the couple had separated, and Meredith filed for divorce in July, citing "discord or conflict of personalities." Her mother claimed the divorce was driven by Hight's physical abuse and alcoholism, which Meredith had endured while trying to help him for two years.
The Gathering
On that fateful September day, Meredith hosted a Dallas Cowboys watching party at their Plano home. It was a gathering of friends and coworkers meant to be filled with camaraderie and cheers. At around 8 p.m., the tranquility shattered as officers responded to a report of 30 to 40 shots fired.
Inside the house, chaos reigned. Police officers arrived and confronted Spencer Hight, who was heavily armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a Kushnapup Series V shotgun, and a Ruger .380-caliber pistol. In the ensuing shootout, Hight was killed by the police. The aftermath was devastating—nine adults lay inside the home, victims of gunshot wounds. Seven were already dead, and two more were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, one of the injured succumbed to their injuries.
Victims and a Community in Mourning
The victims, all in their twenties and thirties, included Meredith Lane, 27, and her friends who had gathered for what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Among them were Anthony Cross, 33; Olivia Deffner, 24; James Dunlop, 29; Daryl Hawkins, 22; Rion Morgan, 31; Myah Bass, 28; and Caleb Edwards, 25. Carly Shockey, 25, survived despite being shot in the face. James Richard Dunlop had been the best man at Hight and Lane's wedding, and Rion Christopher Morgan had served as a groomsman.
Plano Police Chief Greg W. Rushin expressed the community's shock, stating, "We've never had a shooting of this magnitude; never had this many victims."
The Aftermath and Legal Repercussions
The Junior League of Collin County organized a vigil ten days after the tragedy to honor the victims. Spencer Hight's family issued a statement expressing their sorrow and condolences, acknowledging that there was no rational excuse for his horrific actions.
The events of that day led to legal consequences beyond the immediate tragedy. In April 2019, a bartender at Local Public House in Plano faced charges for serving Hight alcohol, despite his evident intoxication. The bartender had texted a friend expressing concern about Hight's behavior, noting that he had a large knife and had made ominous comments before leaving to commit the murders. The charge carried a potential fine of up to $500, a year in jail, or both. However, in October 2019, a grand jury decided not to indict her.
In a civil lawsuit, the sole survivor, Carly Shockey, was awarded $85 million in 2021 against the bar that had served Hight. This decision underscored the broader implications of the tragic events and the responsibility of establishments in preventing such tragedies.
Lives Lost
- Meredith Hight, 27
- Anthony Cross, 33
- Olivia Deffner, 24
- James Dunlop, 29
- Daryl Hawkins, 22
- Rion Morgan, 31
- Myah Bass, 28
- Caleb Edwards, 25
- Carly Shockey, 25 (survived)
Sources
For further details, you can visit the original Wikipedia article: Spencer Hight.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Mass Shooting Occurs
Spencer Hight kills eight people at a Dallas Cowboys watch party before being shot by police.
Police Respond to Shooting
Officers arrive at the scene after reports of gunfire and find nine adults with gunshot wounds.
Victims Identified
Authorities identify the victims, including the shooter’s ex-wife, Meredith Hight.
Investigation Continues
Police reveal details about Spencer Hight's isolation and struggles leading up to the shooting.
Bartender Charged
A bartender is charged for serving alcohol to Hight while knowing he was intoxicated.
Grand Jury Decision
A grand jury declines to indict the bartender involved in serving Hight before the shooting.
Lawsuit Verdict
A jury awards $85 million to the sole survivor of the shooting in a lawsuit against the bar.
Vigil for Victims
A vigil is held for the victims of the mass shooting organized by the Junior League of Collin County.