Family: Minneapolis Gunman Suffered Mental Illness

The family of the man who killed four people at a Minneapolis sign company says he struggled for years with mental illness.
    
Police said Friday that Andrew J. Engeldinger of Minneapolis opened fire at Accent Signage Systems just hours after being let go from the company Thursday morning.
    
His family says in a statement released through the National Alliance on Mental Illness that they aren't trying to excuse Engeldinger's actions, but perhaps partially explain them.
    
Alliance director Sue Abderholden says the family had approached the group for help about two years ago. That's about when Engeldinger's uncle says his nephew broke off contact with his family.
    
Abderholden says Engeldinger's parents took a class on understanding and dealing with mental illness. But she says they couldn't convince Engeldinger to seek help.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Related Stories:

• Accent Signage Victim's Family Seeks Permission to Go Forward with Lawsuit
• Accent Signage Wants Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissed
• Accent Signage Shooting Victim Documentary Debuts
• Accent Signage Systems Receives Sustainability Award
• Firefighters Talk for 1st Time After Accent Signage Shootings
• Minn. Shooting Victim's Son Pushes for Change
• WEB EXTRA: Attorney Discusses Lawsuit Against Accent
• Family of Accent Signage Shooting Victim Sues
• First Accent Signage Lawsuit Could Impact Other Businesses
• Personnel File Offers Glimpse Inside Accent Signage Shooting