The lone gunman who entered Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation Center this morning and killed eight people has been identified as Robert Stewart, a Moore County resident.

During a press conference held at Carthage, beginning at 5 p.m., District Attorney Maureen Krueger identified Stewart as the shooter, saying that he faces eight counts of first-degree murder. More charges are expected to be filed.

Stewart, 45, was not related to any of the victims. Seven of the victims were patients at the facility, while the other was a nurse who worked there.

Pinelake is a 110-bed rehabilitation, nursing and Alzheimer's care facility located on Pinehurst Avenue in Carthage.

The patients that were killed ranged in age from 78 to 98 years old. The age of the nurse was not available.

Carthage Police Chief Chris McKenzie described the events that started at 10 a.m. this morning during the press conference.

He said that there were 11 individuals shot both outside and inside the facility, with eight fatalities.

McKenzie said that Carthage Officer Justin Garner was the first to arrive on the scene and encountered Stewart. Shots were exchanged, with both Garner and Stewart being hit.

Garner was treated at Moore Regional Hospital and released. Stewart is being treated at an undisclosed location, and his condition is not known.