New details emerge about ex-reporter who gunned down TV crew

MYFOXHOUSTON - 41-year-old Vester Flanagan was fired from WDBJ TV in 2013.

On the air he was known as Bryce Williams.

Behind the scenes he was known for being angry and difficult to work with.

“He had training in how the business works especially television,” said U of H assistant professor Lindita Camaj.

And he used that knowledge to ensure his deadly deeds were watched by the masses.

“Specifically targeting the victims during a live television interview and this really makes for the biggest dramatic effect,” Camaj said.

After approaching 24-year-old reporter Alison Parker and 28-year-old photographer Adam Ward while they were conducting a live interview it appears Flanagan waited till he knew Parker was on camera to open fire.

“Like many viewers I was watching this morning’s broadcast,” said Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton.

“Couldn’t really understand what was happening myself.”

Flanagan also made his own video so more than just a horrified audience in Roanoke would witness it.

“And he made sure everybody else saw it too by posting it on social media,” said Camaj.

Even that wasn’t enough for the man who accused Parker, Ward and others of making racially tinged comments about him.

His allegations the station manager says were never substantiated.

“Flanagan sent a lengthy multipage fax to a national news organization in New York about the incident,” the sheriff said.

With the cops hot on his trail Flanagan commits one more violent act.

This time targeting himself.

“This gentleman was disturbed in some way the way things had transpired at some point in his life,” Overton said. “It would appear things were spiraling out of control.”