Even if the sniper demanded money, that does not mean it isn't a terrorist.
While I lean towards terrorists, the sniper could also be
1. a member of the many Oriental gangs or the ultraviolent Salvadorian gangs in the area.
2. one of the greedy folks who file frivolous lawsuits (anything for a buck) but failed to collect the millions he expected.
If it were just about money, he would be way ahead by filing lawsuits. You can make millions for being a victim (no matter that the defedant was not at fault) or for being stupid and hurting yourself. Having a dead relative is a slam dunk in the lawsuit community.