By Kelly O'Connell Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
Carl Johnston was shocked when he saw the news of the hospital shooting.News 3 On Your Side
He was more surprised when he saw that his brother, Charles Johnston is the suspected shooter.
News three sat down with Carl Friday.
Carl Johnston is just two years older than his brother, Charles.
He says they were practically like twins growing up, so when he heard that his brother, a man he describes as a normal guy, is the man police say killed three people yesterday, he was shocked.
“I did not believe it, it was very difficult to believe it might be true,” says Carl Johnston, the brother of Charles Johnston.
But now Carl Johnston knows it's true.
He knows that his brother, Charles, is the man suspected of killing three people at Doctors Hospital Thursday afternoon.
“It's still difficult to accept it,” says Carl Johnston.
And even more difficult because it seems so random.
Carl says he had no idea that Charles was upset with the nurse who treated their mother four years ago.
And no idea he would do something so violent.
“Kind of a loner at times but just normal guy, that's why this was such a surprise, totally out of character,” says Carl Johnston.
Now the only thing Carl can do is cope with the horrible tragedy forced upon three innocent families.
“Please accept my apologies and my empathy and sympathy for this reckless act,” says Carl Johnston.
And try to think of what he'll say to his brother when he sees him next.
“I really honestly don't know exactly at this point,” says Carl Johnston.
Carl says he will go see his brother in jail once he is allowed, but can't imagine what either of them will say to one another.
Carl says Thursday’s date is not significant; it doesn't mark an anniversary of any kind or the birthday of his mother.
He has no idea why his brother allegedly went on the shooting spree Thursday of all days.
Carl Johnston tells News Three that their mother died in September of 2004 after suffering with diabetes.