What we know about the Austin bombing suspect
Who was the Austin bomb suspect?
23-year-old Mark Conditt, the man accused of being the Austin serial bomber who killed two people and injured several others, caused wide spread fear across the city.
In a press conference Wednesday evening, Interim Austin Police Chief Brian Manley detailed law enforcement’s pursuit that ultimately led to his death.
When authorities were closing on him Manley said he blew himself up.
Investigators found Conditt’s phone in the explosion.
In it, Conditt left behind what Manley characterizes as a confession video.
A 25-minute recording that details how Conditt made seven bombs and intended to detonate more.
“He does not at all mention anything about terrorism nor does he mention anything about hate but instead it was the outcry of a very challenged young man, talking about challenges in his personal life that led him to this point,” Manley said.
Manley said there is nothing that indicates why Conditt chose the addresses that received package bombs or reasons behind the other sporadic bombings.
CHILDHOOD
The Pflugerville resident is one of four children and was the only boy.
Conditt was homeschooled as a child.
A woman who participated in the homeschool program and played with Coditt when he was child was surprised when she heard the news. "I was like Oh my God I know this guy,” se said. "He was like every other boy you know he wanted to have a good time and play games with his friends I didn't think there was anything weird about him."
EDUCATION
Conditt went on to attend secondary education at Austin Community College where he was pursuing a major in business administration. He took general education courses at both the ACC Northridge and Round Rock campuses.
Conditt created a political blog for one of his classes with posts like ‘Why gay marriage should be illegal and 'An argument for the death penalty.’ In his blog profile, he describes himself as not politically inclined and views himself as a conservative.
Conditt was in college from 2010 to 2012, did not graduate but had a good academic standing.
Conditt leaves behind a grieving family.
Eddie Harp gave a statement on behalf of Conditt’s family Wednesday. “The family is grieved both for their loss and also for the loss of the people affected by these heinous actions the family’s present focus is dealing with their shock and loss and in cooperating with the police investigation. If you are a praying person please join us in praying for all who have lost loved ones,” Harp said.