Something being connected doesn't mean it has to be a "massive" conspiracy. A half dozen people who have never met but communicate in a private online chat room could plan to do something bad without anyone else ever knowing they discussed it. Did it happen here? Maybe not likely but we'll never know. The point is it does happen.

Look at the flash mobs that rob Walgreens? Dozens of kids show up to rob the place at the same time. No one knows it going to happen and I've never heard of anyone figuring out who was the master minds. Happens somewhat frequently. Why is it so hard to believe that murders just might plan together too?

You really think the nut job in El Paso never chatted with like minded individuals online? Do you really think it's unlikely he never said "I'm going to do something about it" to his group of like minded individuals? Do you really think it's impossible he never said "you should too" to those same people? Do you really think there aren't people somewhere online saying "let's do this, it will force changes"...? There are people just like him out there.

Connected doesn't mean conspiracy.

Are these connected? Who knows. But it shouldn't be so easily dismissed.