Authorities in Louisiana say the gunman, who opened fire in a Lafayette theatre on Thursday, wounding nine and killing three people including himself, was a 'kind of drifter' living in the area since July.

Over a 100 people were present in the Grand Theater, Lafayette, during the screening of 'Trainwreck' at around 7pm when the incident occurred.

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Police Chief Jim Craft revealed Friday that the shooter, who has been identified as 59-year-old John Russell Houser, previously lived in Phenix City, Alabama. He reportedly sat silently in the theater for about 20 minutes before opening fire with a handgun. The deadly incident, which has spread shock across the country, lasted for just a few seconds.

The demographics of the victims range from teens to adults in their 60s.

Investigators say Houser had been living in a local motel and parked his vehicle close to the theater's exist. They postulate that he had planned to escape the scene, but couldn't as cops responded within a minute, so he took his own life.

"It looks like he spotted the officers coming in and he turned around and he went against the crowd, and he fired a single gunshot," Craft said. "He was seated in the theatre just like everybody else."

"The information we have at this time indicates that he was by himself, sat by himself and the first two people he shot were sitting right in front of him."

Officials are yet to ascertain a motive for the killings. Houser was estranged from his family.

The victims of the shooting have been identified as 21-year-old Macy Breaux and 33-year-old Jullian Johnson. At least one wounded victim remains in critical condition following an operation.

The FBI, Louisiana State Police, University of Louisiana-Lafayette police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are aiding local officials with the investigation into the shooting.

Nearly a dozen investigators convened at Motel 6, where Houser lived. As a precautionary measure, the bomb squad swept the room before officials went in. After their search, they discovered glasses, wigs and disguises that belonged to Houser. He also switched the license plate on his vehicle.

Two Jeanerette high school teachers have been hailed for their bravery during the shooting, which left both wounded. One threw herself in front of Houser while he shot and the other still managed to trigger the fire alarm.

According to Louisiana's Governor Bobby Jindal, the teachers - Jean Meaux and Allister Viator Martin - literally saved each other's lives.

"Out of tonight's tragedy, you are beginning to hear stories of heroism and self-sacrifice. Couple of teachers at a movie together, one of the teachers literally jumped on top of the other- may have saved her life," Gov. Jindal said.

"Literally took a bullet that could have hit the second teacher in the head. The second teacher was injured, was shot but not life-threatening. She is one of those being discharged tonight. Despite being injured, the second teacher was able to pull the fore alarm and help to save other lives."

Reports indicate that within hours of the shooting, the Iberia Association of Educators and the Louisiana Association of Educators created a Go Fund Me page for the two women. The fundraising goal was $10,000, and within hours 54 people donated about $1,593.

President Barrack Obama has offered sent his condolences to the families of those wounded and killed in the fatal incident. Obama was briefed about the shooting while aboard Air Force one on Thursday during his trip to Africa. The president has reportedly asked to updated on the investigation and the condition of the wounded.

TagsJohn Russell Houser, John Houser, Lafayette Theater Shooting, Lafayette Grand Theater Shooting, Macy Breaux, Jullian Johnson, Jean Meaux, Allister Viator Martin