They decided to race to Isla Vista, the college community outside Santa Barbara where Elliot lived. Astaire said Chin called either 911 or the sheriff directly, and arranged to meet with authorities when they arrived. As they drove up Highway 101 from Los Angeles, they heard news of a shooting in Isla Vista on the radio. Elliot is accused of killing six people before taking his own life.
This was the second time in recent months that Elliot’s mother tried to intervene in his life. In April, she saw bizarre videos he had posted on YouTube, though not the menacing ones he posted shortly before the rampage, Astaire said.
She called his therapist, saying she was worried about his well-being. He called a mental-health service and they referred it to police, according to Astaire. A half dozen officers showed up at his door April 30.