Internet Reveals Gym Killer's Women Woes

Diary, Videos Show Suspect Who Gunned Down 3 Women Had "Exit Plan;" Sources Say He Called Mother Just Before Shooting

(CBS/AP)  Friends mourned for three women fatally shot during their exercise class at a Pittsburgh-area gym by a man whose online diary revealed he felt ignored by women and had an "exit plan" to avenge his rage.

George Sodini went to a sprawling L.A. Fitness Club on Tuesday night, turned out the lights on the "Latin impact" dance-aerobics class for women, and opened fire with three guns, spraying dozens of bullets before committing suicide.

"He just had a lot of hatred in him and (was) hell-bent on committing this act, and no one was going to stop him," Allegheny County Police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, CBS station KDKA reports that sources now say the Sodini called his mother minutes before the shooting.

His 4,610-word Web diary appeared to be a nine-month chronology of his plans to end his misery with a shocking act of carnage at his gym. He couldn't understand why women ignored him, despite his best efforts to look nice. He wrote that he hadn't had a girlfriend since 1984, hadn't slept with a woman in 19 years.

"Women just don't like me. There are 30 million desirable women in the US (my estimate) and I cannot find one. Not one of them finds me attractive," the 48-year-old computer programmer lamented.

In an online diary he began last year, frustrated with women - Sodini began planning the murders at the gym, reports CBS News correspondent Susan Koeppen.

It was unclear when the Web diary was posted and whether it had been updated online repeatedly since November or posted in its entirety recently.

Two undated videos, apparently recorded by Sodini, surfaced on the Internet and are posted on Starcasm.net. In one, he tours his suburban Pittsburgh home, starting outside and moving inside the two-bedroom, brick rancher.

In the other clip, titled "Hide from Emotion," Sodini says "It is easy for me to hide my emotions for one more day." He continues, saying his objective is to "be real, learn to be more emotional … and to be able to emotionally connect with people."

During the tour, he points out his computers, living space and a basement where he highlights his handy work, hanging paneling and a suspended ceiling. Sodini notes that a sofa and chair in his living room match and says, "women will really be impressed." He also focuses on reading material on a table that include a books titled "Date Young Women" and a paper with "Office Politics" printed on the front.

Moving through the home, he talks about a newly purchased dining room set, and shows his bedroom, which includes a bed, computer and a dresser.

"It looks pretty clean," he said. "I'm sure she'll be impressed."

Speaking to the camera in the second video, Sodini talks about hiding his emotion, how he thought he had 15 years remaining and how his objective his to "be real and be emotional" and to be able to "emotionally connect with people."

He speaks about how, in a relationship with a woman 10 to 20 years younger, "she has to feel good about this thing."

On CBS' "The Early Show" Thursday, Sodini's neighbor Patricia Cowen said her daughter was once the subject of the shooter's diary. In one entry dated July 23, 2009, Sodini says he noticed Cowen's daughter outside and referred to her as a "hot little hottie."

"It's just so overwhelming," Cowen said. "Just the idea of someone like that, thinking like that."

However, up until this week, Cowen said she considered Sodini a happy, quiet man and trustworthy. "I would have left him in my house anytime," she said.

Another neighbor, Connie Fontanesi, though, said Sodini was so anti-social that "we really didn't learn anything personal about him."

The health club violence rocked the town of about 5,300 people just outside Pittsburgh.

Killed were Heidi Overmier, 46, of Carnegie, a sales manager at an amusement park; Jody Billingsley, 37, of Mount Lebanon, who worked for a medical-supply company; and Elizabeth Gannon, 49, of Pittsburgh, an X-ray technician at Allegheny General Hospital.

"She can't be gone," said Gannon's next-door neighbor and close friend, Carl Rady, who knew her for 35 years and said she loved to work out and pamper her dog. "It can't happen that way."

Patricia Cowen lived across the street from Sodini for 12 years, and told the CBS "Early Show" on Thursday that it was "really devastating" to find out about the shootings and the online journal. Asked whether he ever seemed disturbed, she said no.

"He seemed pretty focused on life," Cowen said. "He seemed happy.

"I felt like he was just a loner who liked to keep to himself. He would say 'Hi' on occasion. I just never thought that someone like that would be so capable of what he's done."

Six patients remained hospitalized, including the aerobics instructor, Mary Primis, 26, who was listed in fair condition. Primis is pregnant but said doctors told her the baby is fine.

Sodini did not have a relationship with any of his victims, according to police.

In his Web diary, Sodini wrote of planning the attack since at least November and said he tried to carry it out when the same weekly aerobics class met Jan. 6 but "chickened out," he wrote.

His anger stemmed from unfulfilled desire: The women at his gym "look so beautiful as to not be human," he wrote. He complained that women "don't even give me a second look ANYWHERE" even though he was tan and fit and claimed to dress well and smell nice.

He listed his status as "Never married." In a chilling addition, he recorded the date of his death as Aug. 4, 2009.

Sodini did not have a criminal record, and he legally bought the guns he used, police said.

Sodini's family issued a brief statement: "Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families and we pray for the full recovery of the survivors."

Sodini graduated in 1992 from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in computer science and had worked as a systems analyst at a Pittsburgh law firm since 1999.

[rsmik]

You're all missing the point. This guy wanted a young hottie, not some old broad who would gladly settle for him. He just didn't want to join any club that would have him as a member.

[stychokiller]

What? With AdultFriendFinder.com and myF*ckBuddy.biz this guy could NOT get laid??
How much brain damage do you have to have before NO woman will take you on?

That being said, the solution to this problem is pretty obvious: A stringent
nationwide testing and certification program for ALL would-be gun owners.

I have no beef against owning guns (used to own a Taurus 9mm, sold it for the
money), just for brainless wonders owning them!

Before you 2nd-Amendment jokers howl in outrage hear this: I'm not suggesting
that the Government be in charge of such a program, rather put the NRA in
charge of it!

Whenever any nutjob such as this Guy goes and shoots a bunch of citizens, the
training and certification program gets suspended for 90 days or until the NRA
can prove that changes they make to the certification program will weed out such
unqualified people from the pool of gun-owners.

To quote a comic-book: "With great power comes great responsibility."
You want people to have the freedom of owning guns, then prove it by requiring
that they prove that they're responsible enough to own a gun. Remember the
2nd Amendment also states that:
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state,
the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Notice that it states a <B>WELL-REGULATED militia</B> is necessary to the security of
a free state, not just anybody with the wherewithal to buy one.

I'll bet that the NRA will tighten the requirements for owning a gun every time
that their membership is inconvenienced by a suspension of the certification of
gun-owners. Any regulatory system has to possess a method of negative-feedback
in order to correct for undesirable outcomes (or we have the system we have
now).

For example, one question on a written test could be: "Have you been
laid recently?" That sure would have ruled out this nutjob (fer sur!).

Being a realist, I know that such a RATIONAL idea has no chance of ever being
implemented for several reasons:
1. Too many gun-control fanatics believe that NO ONE should own a gun and will
foam at the mouth at any argument to the contrary.

2. Everyone, including the NRA has an interest in maintaining the status quo, no
matter how many get shot. Don't think so? Then come up with a better
solution!

[kindrox]

Because of the criminals and outright crazies out there my wife packs a gun. Take his (legal) gun away and he will get another, or use a knive or club or whatever weapon he fancies. Take my wife's gun away and she has no real means to legally defend herself.

[fred-mertz]

Yest ANOTHER "law abiding gun owner" uses his guns for what they were designed-- to murder!

GunOwnerDan and all you other idiot gun lovers: This guy had a CCW permit, too! How did this crazy emm eff get a CCW?

Guns are for MURDER, not for "self defense". You can never defend yourself with a gun. All you can possibly hope for is to kill someone with it. That is NOT "defense".

The NRA and all of the GUN SELLERS are evil. They won't stop until they have created total anarchy in this country and throughout the world. The more crazy, paranoid people there are, the more guns they sell. It's NOT for "defense". It's just for these evil b@stw@ds PROFIT!!!

The #1 fatal use of guns by gun owners in the USA is SUICIDE. Why don't you bozos do us all a favor and DO IT NOW? Here's some instruction for you, so please pay ATTENTION: the FIRST person you should aim your gun at and shoot is yourself! There is absolutely NO NEED to shoot anybody else on your way out, you effing COWARDS!

[displeased]

You can never defend yourself with a gun.
by fred-mertz

Of course you can defend yourself with a gun. I've personally witnessed it.

[displeased]

The #1 fatal use of guns by gun owners in the USA is SUICIDE.
by fred-mertz

According to statistics, 90% of people who commit suicide are depressed. Perhaps we should focus on the cause and remedies of depression instead of the means they use to exit this world.

[winchester70]

Aren't you also known as schoollord, elcantante1, ad nauseam?

[Ilovehunting]

You are so narrow minded ya lets get rid of guns because they are only used for murder. Well how about all the hunters then???? You didnt think about that did you. No because you just have a narrow opinion that all guns are used for evil and murder which is very very untrue. I have been hunting with my dad since I was 7 and I love it. My brother, dad, and I enjoy hunting and will continue to do it no matter what narrow minded uptight people like you think. I have many guns and dont use them for murder or self defense, I use them becuase I like shooting and love hunting. I know a lot of people that bond through hunting, which can be a very great bonding experience. You probably think o hunting is all about shooting a poor animal, but it is more then that it is an awesome adventure that you cant judge until you have done it. I enjoy looking at all the animals in their natural habitat and finding a big buck and stalking them more then shooting, hunting is way more then killing animals. So no guns are not bad, you only have bad people with guns. I use guns for recreation, fun and to bond with my father and brother. What ever you use to bond with your family lets just get rid of it cuz I am sure what ever it is can be used in a negative way by someone.

[Ilovehunting]

I am going up to British Columbia with my dad on a 10 day fishing and hunting trip for caribou and lake trout that is really using guns for evil. No not all gun sellers are evil, some like at scheels sports store(and all the ones I know) are mainly about hunting and are the nicest people you can talk to you. I dont know where you get your hatred for guns and people who have them, but you have a very warped view of them. I think you watch to much news and movies because most people who own guns do not use them for evil.

Also you can use guns for self defense. You dont even have to shoot a gun to use it as self defense if someone is breaking into your house and you pull a gun on them I dont think they are going to mess with you. Most the time self-defense you dont even have to shoot someone just having that gun is self-defense.

I dont use guns for self-defense, but I live alone and can handle myself and not afraid of death. But I do believe it is your right to defend yourself with a gun. I lived in a safe neighborhood as a kid and there was no need for self-defense with a weapon, but some neighborhoods there is a need for it. For a family that lives in a bad neighborhood with a lot of break ins or murders etc, I wouldnt be against them having a gun to protect themselves. You got to open your mind a little and see it from other peoples shoes.

[ilyasib]

That is so common! We live in the country of lonely people.When women are so corrupted these days, its tough for an average Joe not to be in despair.

[photon816]

by photon816 August 6, 2009 12:32 PM EDT
Three loaded guns used in a pre-planned attack, dozens of bullets, complete surprise with no reason for the gym to ever expect such a thing to happen, no way for police to arrive in time to rescue anybody, the gym full of females in a regular class, and nothing holding back a mass-murdering, woman-hating lunatic. These were the conditions God had to work with.

Thank you, Lord, for this miracle, wherein only three women were killed. May those wounded recover, and the three sacrificed be praised and joyful in Paradise (a better place than this one).

Reply to this comment ..
by displeased August 6, 2009 1:00 PM EDT
Didn't your all mighty god cause all those conditions? You thank your god for this "miracle"? You people worship and dream of the strangest things!

photon: No, our Almighty God did not cause these conditions. "You" people, like the killer of the innocent, are the weeds Jesus spoke of in his parable of the wheat and the tares. Let the weeds grow until the day of harvest. Then separate the weeds (like "You" people seem to prefer to be). Since you can't comprehend this, Yes, it would seem strange and dreamy to you.

...by mnbrant August 6, 2009 1:20 PM EDT
If he's saved you gonna see him in heaven.

photon: He ain't gonna be saved. He ain't goin to Heaven. One of his pictures showed a heavy punching bag in the background. If I see him in hell, I'll punch his face to a pulp every day forever.

[displeased]

I only comprehend facts and empirical evidence.

[rafterman1]

The dude has a porn stasche and wonders why he couldn't get with the ladies.

[bartleby19]

Guys don't ask me out much, but I'm not going to go shoot anyone. If anything I see it as a reason to try to improve myself and think more about how to make myself more attractive.

This guy sounds like he had deeper mental and emotional problems and could have benefited from counseling. I've seen a lot uglier guys with girlfriends and/or wives.

[MorganBarber44]

Those uglier guys had money.

[jumkey]

Funny CBS News didn't mention that he blamed Obama for at least some of his problems.

I guess we don't want to face the growing problem if rightwing terrorism in this country.

[Heartlight]

Anger and resentment are scary. If this guy was so filled with feeling rejected he was most likely giving off angry vibes to women. He was a decent looking guy, but perhaps frightened friends off.I have been told many times that I am attractive, but there are times I've gone a year or three between relationships. I never let it affect how I felt about myself to the extent I felt rage! I just figured when the time was right, it would happen.It doesn't justify his taking the lives of innocent victims. Thoreau once said,"Many men lead lives of quiet desperation."

[MorganBarber44]

The quiet desperation comes from being stuck with a woman who never shuts up, gets him further in debt, and stopped doing her wifely duty months ago.

[ajapierce]

Has anyone here ruled out the fact that the media pressures woman to look hot, and then pressures men to go after hot babes?

Did anyone ever think about that fact that current society over-sexes everything down to making tampon commercials sexy. There is more wrong with society then just individuals

I can understand that killing people is never a good thing, and in fact this gentleman probaly would of been better committing suicide. I would like to say he could seek professional health, but most shrinks just prescribe drugs instead of talking to people.

The problem i have with drug presricitions is: 1) they don't mix with liqour, which kills people's social life, 2) people don't take them correctly, or 3) people abuse the medicine that is supposed to help.

Society as a whole needs to start helping people better as opposed to making people coniditioned to believe unrealtistic things

[DaVicar5]

As a responsible member of Society, I resent that accusation.

[credibility2]

This guy was his own worst enemy, not women. The fact that he claimed in his end of life rambling blog that "30 million women" rejected him, is a bizarre and exaggerated statement about himself. He was a paranoid, narcissistic diminished intellect loser immature male and a coward on top of it. He was also evil, ugly looking and very unattractive, but yet couldn't understand why females didn't find him "attractive". Even in death this man was a hideous coward. I only feel sorry for the innocent victims, those injured and their families. God bless them. The cowardly murderer is hopefully burning in Hades.

[displeased]

I wonder how many more are lurking around our society and dreaming each night of "revenge".

[credibility2]

God help all those who are victimized by evil people like this. Many of the evil don't kill, but instead batter, or degrade, or use other forms of control and abuse.

[mecury69]

"narcissistic diminished intellect loser immature male"

sounds like an angry woman with some real issues.

Maybe someone should monitor your internet posts?

[sunspro]

One of the worst influences on the shooter's life was the preacher who told him that he'd go to heaven even if he committed mass murder.
Too bad that the shooter didn't go out and hit the bars to meet women. Instead, he stayed home soberly bemoaning the fact that he couldn't meet anyone.

[mecury69]

"narcissistic diminished intellect loser immature male"

sounds like an angry woman with some real issues.

Maybe someone should monitor your internet posts?

[photon816]

Three loaded guns used in a pre-planned attack, dozens of bullets, complete surprise with no reason for the gym to ever expect such a thing to happen, no way for police to arrive in time to rescue anybody, the gym full of females in a regular class, and nothing holding back a mass-murdering, woman-hating lunatic. These were the conditions God had to work with.

Thank you, Lord, for this miracle, wherein only three women were killed. May those wounded recover, and the three sacrificed be praised and joyful in Paradise (a better place than this one).

[displeased]

Didn't your all mighty god cause all those conditions? You thank your god for this "miracle"? You people worship and dream of the strangest things!

[mnbrant]

If he's saved you gonna see him in heaven

[ubrew12]

I believe in God.
What do you believe about God?
I believe that God is busy.

[brianp55]

Just another idiot with problems.

[DaVicar5]

He's not an "idiot" . . . he had "woes" - that explains a lot.

[rondivoo]

and further, case in point, notice some of the crazed postings on CBSnews.com!! Think we should report them?

[cs4466]

Naw, you're not that crazy. Just a little boring.

[rondivoo]

I am amazed that there are always people who think "somebody should have noticed" or "somebody should have reported his diary postings." For pete's sake, put all of the blame where it belongs... on the crazed killer! It isn't anyone else's duty to know when some tankhead is going to explode!

[curiously1]

This man was a nutcase. I can hardly wait to divorce my woman and this guy complained of not having a wife !

[mjones62254]

Sometimes a crazy guy is just a crazy guy. Rational people look for reasons or causes for irrational behavior. In some cases, the person is just defective.

[sunspro]

Exactly. This guy was recently promoted at work and seemed to have a generally good life. He was obsessed with meeting women, yet he didn't drink or go out to bars. He was definitely lacking something mentally.

[barbaram99]

Firsly He had no business going going into an all ladies' class. he had no business taking guns there. He had no business turning out the the lights. THE MAN WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THERE.
He called women hotties. That is appalling. One less woman hater here in America, It was a gender hatred crime. As a legal blind lady,I can read their singals,tones of voice. I can't see their faces. It is possable the sighted women ccould read his vibes as well. Men need to handle No. The ladies were smart not to hook up with the likes of that bagworm.
mrs buns SHE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ANSWER . She needs to realise we have sep of church and state. Ye can pray for the ladies that were hurt.