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How did Linda McRae die? MSU shooter Anthony was a 'mama's boy' who was devastated after mom's death

Anthony McRae's father said, 'His mom died, and he just started getting evil and mean. He didn’t care about anything anymore'
UPDATED FEB 15, 2023
Linda McRae's death devastated Anthony, according to his father (Michigan Department of Corrections, Riley Funeral Home)
Linda McRae's death devastated Anthony, according to his father (Michigan Department of Corrections, Riley Funeral Home)

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN: The father of alleged Michigan State University gunman Anthony McRae said that his son was deeply affected by his mother's death, following which his demeanor and outlook toward life "changed." Anthony's mother, Linda Gail McRae of Lansing, Michigan, died in September 2020.

Anthony, 43, killed himself hours after the shooting that left three dead and five in critical condition. The deceased have been identified as Brian Fraser, a sophomore, and Alexandria Verner, a junior, and Arielle Anderson, a junior.

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How did Linda McRae die?

Anthony's mother, whose previous name was Linda G Goldware, was born on June 22, 1958 in Trenton, New Jersey, according to her obituary. Her parents are late Lester and Hazel Richardson. She died of a stroke on September 13, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.

Anthony's father, Michael McRae, was married to Linda for 45 years. Linda's obituary mentioned, "She was educated in the Trenton School District in New Jersey. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed worshipping and talking about the Lord, working in the church, cooking, caring for others; she especially enjoyed spending time with family."

"Linda was a faithful member of the Tithe Baptist Church and The Church of God Prophecy in Lansing, Michigan. Linda enjoyed singing at both churches. Before relocating from Trenton, Linda formed a union with Michael A. McRae in 1976. In 2003, she then moved to Lansing to begin her journey in the life that God had prepared for her. Linda was employed by two General Motors plants; one in Trenton and the other in Wilmington, Delaware. She also worked at Delaware Park Casino in Newark, Delaware," it added.

At the time of her death, Linda was predeceased by her mother Hazel, father Oliver, sisters Rosemary Goldware, Sonia Goldware and Elaine McRae Goldware, and brother Rickie Goldware. "Her memory will be forever cherished by: her three children, Michael S. McRae, Melinda M. McRae both of Delaware, and Anthony D. McRae of Michigan; three sisters, Theresa Peterson, Christine Davis, Easter Goldware; and one brother, Thomas Goldware all of Trenton, New Jersey; two grandchildren, Khalil McRae and Lisa McRae. She also leaves behind two devoted friends, Barbara and Geraldine; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews as well as loving friends and neighbors," said the obituary. 

Anthony McRae was a 'mama's boy'

Michael said that after Linda's death, Anthony found it difficult to cope. “He was a mama’s boy. He loved his mom. They were tight. His mom was like his sister," Michael said of the alleged gunman, according to NBC. He added, “Everything happened so fast." Anthony quit his job at a warehouse after her death. "He was grieving his mom. He wouldn’t let it go. He got bitter, bitter and bitter,” Michael said. He further added, “His mom died, and he just started getting evil and mean. He didn’t care about anything anymore."

Authorities said that Anthony's motive is unknown and that he had no affiliation with the university. He was neither a student nor a staff, said Chris Rozman, interim deputy chief of the Michigan State University Police. Anthony's father, Michael, also said he did not know why his son targeted the campus but believes he may have been trying to apply for a job there. 

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