Columbia Mall Honors Victims On One-Year Anniversary Of Shooting
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—This weekend marks the anniversary of one of the worst tragedies ever in Howard County.
It was January 25th of last year when a gunman opened fire inside the Mall of Columbia killing two people and then taking his own life.
Derek Valcourt has more on remembrances of that heartbreaking day.
The terrifying shooting stunned the state, made national headlines and left its mark on the community and all those who loved the victims.
Shots rang out and panic erupted at Columbia's mall January 25, 2014.
Just after 11:00 a.m., inside the Zumiez store, 19-year-old Darian Aguilar opened fire and killed two store employees--Brianna Benlolo and Tyler Johnson before killing himself and triggering a massive police response.
"100 fortunately we were able to have some very well trained very well equipped SWAT officers to partner with our patrol officers to get into that mall fairly quickly," said Bill McMahon, former Howard County Police Chief.
This one-year anniversary is a painful reminder for those who loved the victims and one at least survivor who told WJZ he counts himself lucky.
"That's the one thing I struggle with I don't understand why he didn't kill me when he had the opportunity to. I was right there behind the girl Brianna and he definitely saw me getting out of the store," said one witness.
In the days after the tragedy police pieced together their profile of a shooter struggling with mental health issues and fixated with the Columbine massacre.
Howard County Police tell WJZ they've learned many lessons and made some changes as a result of the tragedy, but they are choosing not to discuss it today saying they want this anniversary to be all about the victims.
Brianna Benlolo was a manager at the store, a 21-year-old mother--her son just 2-years-old when she died. Tyler Johnson was 25-years-old and left behind a legacy of charitable support.
The mall's main webpage now honors them both saying they will be remembered today and always. 
CLICK HERE: To contribute to the memorial funds of Tyler Johnson.
A spokesman for the mall says there will be no memorial or any other event to honor the victims there, instead they are encouraging donations to the memorial funds set up for each of the victims.
People can make donations to the Brianna Benlolo Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Branch. Checks may also be mailed to the Brianna Benlolo Memorial Fund: PO Box 1353, Lynnwood, WA 98046.
