Manager Shot and Killed at Maritime School

On Friday afternoon, an instructor allegedly walked into Kenner, Louisiana-based Houston Marine Training Center and shot school manager Anthony Tardo. Tardo died at the scene.

Police spokesman Lt. Brian McGregor identified the alleged gunman as John Spears, who taught dynamic positioning at Houston Marine. He had been working at the center for about a year. Police said that employees of the center did not know of any prior conflict between the two. 

Spears allegedly shot Tardo one time in the chest, told coworkers that Tardo was going to “need help,” and left the building. None of the ten other personnel on site were injured.

McGregor said that after the shooting, Spears set his gun on top of his car and waited for police to arrive. He surrendered without a struggle.

Tardo had been with the company for nearly 20 years. He was a father of triplets, one daughter and two sons.

“He was laid back,” said Karen Ronquille, a former associate of Tardo's. “He would say, 'Do what you're supposed to do and we're all going to get along.'” She said that it was shocking that anyone would attack someone who was so easy to work with.

Houston Marine CEO Bryan Lecompte asked for prayers for Tardo's coworkers and family. “We lost a friend, a co-worker, and a great father,” he said.

Police said that so far, Spears has refused tell authorities anything regarding the circumstances behind the incident. He has been charged with murder in the second degree, and bail is set for $750,000.