Palm Springs Police Department Police say Brian Conroy "intentionally shot" his own mother.
Police say Brian Conroy, of Palm Springs, California intentionally shot his biological mother in the early morning hours of November 20.
The victim appeared to be a doting, loving mother and even celebrated the teen’s birthday with him just days before the killing. She was highly respected in the community, described as an active member of the music scene and those who knew the family are in a state of shock.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Police Said He Is the Only Suspect in the Case
According to authorities, police responding to a 911 call say Conroy “intentionally” shot his mother, 36-year-old Amber Lane, and is being held on a murder charge.
A news release from the Palm Springs Police Department states:
19 year old male arrested for murder of his mother
On Monday, November 20, 2017, at approximately 4:25 AM, PSPD received a 911 call from a person inside of a home in the 4100 block of Calle San Antonio, reporting that a female inside of the home had been shot.
PSPD Patrol Officers arrived on scene within in minutes and discovered a female adult inside of the home who was the victim of a shooting. The female victim was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition.
Officers on scene detained three adult males who were inside of the home at the time of the shooting and the PSPD Crimes Against Persons Investigation Unit responded to the scene.
During this investigation, PSPD Detectives determined that the victim’s biological adult son, Suspect-Brian Conroy, 19 years old, intentionally shot the victim inside of the home. The victim, identified as 36 year old, Amber Lane, has since died from her injuries.
PSPD Detectives are continuing their investigation at this time. Conroy has been arrested and will be booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, for a violation of 187 (a) P.C. – Murder.
2. A Family Friend Said He ‘Loved His Mother,’ & Said Lane Was Battling Cancer
David Ross, who described himself as a family friend, spoke with the Desert Sun and described a loving relationship between Conroy and Lane.
“He treated me wonderfully every time I was with him,” Ross told the publication. “He loved his mother. This is just one of those insane things. I just can’t even think right now.”
Although Ross noted there were disciplinary problems in the past, he said Conroy was “very well behaved,” “a mensch,” and a “sweetheart.”
The friend also told Desert Sun that Lane was battling cancer at the time of her death.
3. His Mother Wrote a Chilling Post to Facebook Just Before She Was Murdered
“I’m tired has more meanings than I can possibly explain,” Lane cryptically posted to Facebook, approximately two hours before the 911 call came in to authorities.
Cj Wilson replied to the post after news of the slaying came to light:
Omg.. I cannot stop crying Rest in paradise Amber if it wasn’t for you I would have been homeless and Palm Springs you made sure I got my first place you made sure I had a job every Friday night you are the only person who paid me for singing in Palm Springs I love you and you will surely be missed God bless you condolences to your family if there’s anything I could do to help just let me know.
“Still at a loss for words! Amber doesn’t seem real!,” Tommie Douglas wrote. “You Were always so polite and nice to the things you had to say to me From my Ward robe to my singing! You had nothing but complementary things to say. You came up to me and gave me a big hug and ask if you could take a picture of my shoes Sunday night! You touched my necklace and said dude you always look so sharp! I will never forget this! Rest In Peace darling!”
4. He Celebrated His Birthday With His Mother Days Before the Killing
Conroy celebrated his 19th birthday with his mother and other loved ones at a local Benihana only days before police say he killed her.
On November 16, Lane thanked loved ones for helping to celebrate Conroy’s 19th birthday. The group gathered at Benihana, a restaurant known for sushi, to honor the occasion.
“Had a great time celebrating Brian’s bday with family & close friends in LA,” Lane said. “Thank you Brian Hawlk, Graeme Finlayson, Auntie Kathrine & Kathleen for celebrating with us ?.”
The victim posted photos of the party and appeared to be genuinely happy in celebrating her son.
5. His Facebook Page Says He Is From ‘Orland Park, IL, but Resided in Palm Springs
According to his Facebook page, Conroy was from “Orland Park, Illinois, but lived in Palm Springs, California.
The page also said he worked at “Wang’s In the Desert Chinese Restaurant.”
In April of 2014, Conroy posted that he studied abroad in China and Taipaei. “Played with the spirit of the sands PSHS band in China and Taipei,” he said in a description of the experience.