After Chaotic Shooting Spree, Sierra's Death Confirmed As Pulmonary Edema

The post mortem examination conducted on Wednesday has confirmed the cause of death for 35-year-old Joel Sierra.

Sierra is the Santa Elena man at the center of a chaotic shooting spree on Saturday. According to police, cause of death was certified as as "acute respiratory failure due to acute pulmonary edema, pending toxicology." In simple terms, the autopsy found that Joel Sierra died because his lungs filled with fluid, making it impossible for him to breathe properly. Police say toxicology results are still pending and are expected to determine whether prohibited substances contributed to his death. Police suspect he was under the influence of substances when he started firing a gun indiscriminately.