Nathan Gale

Nathan Miles Gale (September 11, 1979 - December 8, 2004) was an American mass murderer who killed 4 people including former Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell during a concert with his new band Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa Nightclub in Columbus, Ohio. He also hurt the band’s drum tech John “Kat” Brooks, taking him hostage. Gale was shot dead by Columbus police officer James Niggemeyer when he was about to kill Brooks.

Gale previously reported to family and friends that he had been discharged from military service due to being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, for which he was prescribed medication. The motive for the crime is unclear though is believed to be at least in part Gale lashing out over the breakup of Pantera. A former friend reported Gale expressing delusions that Pantera had plagiarized lyrics from him and were trying to steal his identity. His behavior leading up to the event was reported to be increasingly erratic and bizarre. Autopsy results indicated that he had not been taking his medication leading up to the shooting, though when he may have stopped taking it is unknown.