On a tragic Tuesday morning, July 13, 2021, the life of 22-year-old Caucasian male Anthony Nino Griger was senselessly cut short in a shocking act of violence in Racine County, Wisconsin. Griger, an Elkhorn resident, was simply fueling his vehicle at a Pilot Travel Center when he was ambushed and fatally shot. The unprovoked attack was described by authorities as a brutal execution.
The perpetrator was identified as 32-year-old John R. McCarthy of Hartland.
After killing Griger, McCarthy attempted to steal his vehicle but was unsuccessful. He then tried to carjack another vehicle at the same location, firing shots at it before fleeing in his own car. The occupants of the second vehicle were unharmed.
McCarthy's violent spree continued when he drove to a nearby Mobil gas station in Franksville. There, he encountered and opened fire on an undercover Racine County Sheriff's investigator who was also pumping gas. The investigator was struck by gunfire but managed to return fire. Following this exchange, McCarthy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The wounded investigator survived, and authorities believe his heroic actions likely prevented a mass shooting, as it appeared McCarthy was intent on continuing his deadly rampage.
