Christopher Dorner: Why Did the Ex-LAPD Officer Go On a Killing Spree?

Christopher Dorner, a former officer with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), is on the run after murdering three people, sparking a manhunt throughout Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico.

Stemming from an incident in 2008, when he was fired from the LAPD for making false statements, Dorner believes he is on a mission to clear his name. Posting a multi-page manifesto on Facebook, Dorner wrote, “Unfortunately, I will not be alive to see my name cleared. That’s what this is about, my name. A man is nothing without his name.”

Dorner's manifesto also clearly reveals his intentions: "I will bring unconventional and asymmetrical warfare to those in LAPD uniform whether on or off duty."

The manhunt for Dorner started after he was linked to the murder of a couple, one of the victims being the daughter of an LAPD officer who represented Dorner in his 2008 disciplinary hearing. Since the hunt began, Dorner is also believed to be responsible for opening fire on four officers in cities east of Los Angeles.

The first shooting occurred in Corona, where two LAPD officers were fired at, leaving one officer wounded after a bullet grazed his head. Dorner then ambushed two officers in Riverside, leaving one officer dead and the other wounded.

Based on Dorner's writings and subsequent actions, the LAPD has placed security details on 40 persons who are believed to be targets and were named in his manifesto. The LAPD has also pulled all motorcycle units off of the streets, for fear that such units would serve as easy targets for Dorner.

Unfortunately these attacks have, understandably, created a jumpy police department, of which has led to two accidental shootings by the LAPD — leaving two women injured by the gunfire.

Probably the most peculiar detail in the whole ordeal, is the portion of Dorner's manifesto that praised Piers Morgan's beliefs on gun control, stating, "I want you [Morgan] to know that I agree with you 100% on enacting stricter firearm laws ...."

Dorner's manifesto also included his disdain for the National Rifle Association's Wayne LaPierre, stating, "May all of your [LaPierre] immediate and distant family die horrific deaths in front of you."

Despite the vigilant hunt for Dormer, he is still on the loose and few clues to his whereabouts have been discovered. It appears that Dorner was at San Diego Airport on Thursday morning, on account that his LAPD badge and ID were discovered there. Since then, only his truck, which had been set on fire, has been discovered.

Dorner's ability to elude the police most likely comes from, both his experience in the police force and in the Navy. When discussing Dorner's capabilities, LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck stated, "He knows what he's doing. We trained him." Beck continued, "It's extremely worrisome and scary, especially for the police officers involved."

As the hunt for Dorner continues, one can only hope that no more lives are taken during the process and that he's found shortly.