JC-001-002001 Agency Officer Case Report No CONTINUATION D SUPPLEMENT X JCSO GALLEGOS 99-762500 CONTROL NUMBER 4599 062799

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

JC-001-002001 Agency Officer Case Report No CONTINUATION D SUPPLEMENT X JCSO GALLEGOS 99-762500 CONTROL NUMBER 4599 062799 LANTHORN, A. JC-001-002001 Agency Officer Case Report No CONTINUATION D SUPPLEMENT X JCSO GALLEGOS 99-762500 CONTROL NUMBER 4599 062799 X HOMICIDE Recommend Case. Review 0 Closure 0 ' WITNESS: ALISON M. LANTHORN, DOB/012581, W/F 5437 S. Independence St. Littleton, CO 80123 (303) 973-5564 INVESTIGATION: On June 23, 1999. I interviewed Alison Lanthorn by telephone Lanthorn said that she had been in her 5th hour class when she heard people screaming and saw people running down the hallway She said that one of the female students in her class, opened the door to the hallway and asked a student that was running down the hall, what was going on Lanthorn said that she was told that someone was shooting a gun. Lanthorn said that the female student that asked was, Carrie Sabey. Lanthorn said that Mr Manuello. the teacher told the students to ran out of the school. Lanthorn said that as she ran out of the classroom and through the storage room, she heard a loud boom, that shook the ground. Lanthorn said that while she was running out of the school the fire alarm went off She said that she ran with the rest of the class. that got out to the smokers pit area and climbed the fence. She said that she ran to Clement park and then to the Columbine library I asked Lanthorn who she had run out of the school with and she said that she ran out with Kristi Held. She said that she and Kristi Held stayed together the entire time. I asked Lanthorn if she ever saw who was shooting and she said that she didn’t see who was shooting l asked her if she had ever heard of the TCM before and she said that she had heard of the TCM before but never knew anything about the members. JC-001- 002002 Reporting Agency Reporting Officer Case Report No CONTINUATION □ SUPPLEMENT X JCSO GALLEGOS 99-762500 CONTROL NUMBER 4599 Date 062799 X HOMICIDE Recommend Case: Review Closure I asked Lanthorn to describe the clothing she was wearing the day of the shooting and bombing at CHS. She said that she had been wearing a black colored shirt and a white colored tank top. I asked Lanthorn if she remembers hearing or reading any of the announcements on the morning of the shooting. Lanthorn said that she did not remember any announcements. The interview was then terminated. DISPOSITION: Open JC-001- 002003 LAVELY, E JC-001-002004 Case No. Denver Police Department --------- STATEMENT I was in science class + I heard screaming + noise. We thought it was a senior prank. A couple of us went to the door to see + someone told us to get under our desks. I heard loud bangs + stuff. People were running up from the commons, screaming. We went into the back science room and stayed there. Q: What floor is the science room on? A: The 2nd floor, first hall + first room on the right. Q: Do you know what time all this started? A: I don’t know, it was about 11:30 or 11:35 Q: How did you get out? A: The police knocked on the door + we went with them. JC-001-002005 JEFFERSON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT Defendant: Harris/Klebold Docket Number: Date: May 19, 1999 Case Number: 99A062 Deputy D.A.: Investigator: Gallagher ******************************************************************** Witness: Beth Lavely DOB 2-8-83 7904 W. Plymouth Pl. Littleton, Co. 303-933-4428 On May 19, 1999 this investigator conducted a telephone interview with Beth Lavely, who is a sophomore at Columbine High School. Ms. Lavely made the following statements. Ms. Lavely stated on 4-20-99 during fifth hour which commenced at 11:15 A.M. she was in the science green room. Ms. Lavely stated she did not see anything but heard one of the gunmen talking. Ms. Lavely stated she first heard people running and screaming outside in the hallway. She thought it was a senior prank. Somebody yelled they got guns. She heard the gunmen running up and down the hallway outside of the green room. She heard one of the gunmen say something to the effect "It is a day to die". She heard the gunmen laughing and screaming. When asked if the gunmen's voices sounded like there was more than one. Ms. Lavely stated she thought there was at least two that were screaming and laughing. Another student identified as Katie JC-001-002006 1 Patrick told her she heard one of them say the name ---------- - Ms. Lavely stated she left her back pack in the science room. The back pack contained school equipment. Her glasses were left in the green room. She has a coat belonging to her sister in her locker with her wallet. She has $20 to $30 in her wallet. Nothing further. Investigator Date JC-001-002007 2 LILLY, R JC-001- 002008 Typed transcript of handwritten statement for Ryan Lilly Witness Lilly, Ryan DOB 9-5-83 933-1751 6374 W Canyon Ave Littleton, CO 80128 Investigation About 0845 hrs I contacted (W) Lilly by Phone to conduct and interview. (W) Lilly said he was in Biology class when he heard + saw panicked people in the hallway and heard gunshots + explosions. All the students in the class went into the green house area + shut the door. They did not lock or barricade it. (W) Lilly did not see the shooters but did hear what he thought was one of them say “It’s a good day to die.” After some of the explosions he felt the room shake so he thought it must be bombs instead of shotguns. The students stayed in the green house until about 1530 hrs until the SWAT team arrived. (W) Lilly said he did not know the shooters personally but did know of them. JC-001-002009 0 0 0 ' . " '2 :. °"' •" . ' Lindholm, Marjorie JC- 001- 002010 Typed transcript of handwritten statement for Marjorie Lindholm Summary of Statement: I was in science class. Heard like 2 rocks hitting school class window. Mr. Johnson looked out. Heard a loud bang. Someone said they were shooting. Started to get on floor. Mr. Sanders came in and fell to the floor and started coughing up blood. Mr. Johnson made a sign and put it in window saying “Help, bleeding to death.” Heard lots of shots. Little ones and big ones. We all stayed on the floor. A girl teacher had come into the room and was using a class phone. Later, a police officer came and let us out. I did not see the shooters. JC-001-002011 - .a 1"; -0 "' . ""' v- '--.( 0 z • • u J u " " LOPATIN, J. JC-001-002012 Reporting Officer Case Report No CONTINUATION □ JCSO SUPPLEMENT X GALLEGOS 99-7625KK Connecting Case Report No Date CONTROL NUMBER 4598 06-18-99 ""·- , p ,, X E .eepuonally Clarcd □ . X HOMICIDE Recommend Case: Review □ Closure □ WITNESS: JESSICA LOPATIN, W/F (303) 979-6609 INVESTIGATION, ON June 16, 1999, I interviewed the brother of Jessica Lopatin. He had told me in that interview that he had found his sister. in the Tech. Lab. And grabbed her and ran with her out of the building. Jessica Lopatin was in Mr. Manuello"s 5th hour Physics class while her brother was in the room next door. Both of the Lopatin children got out of the school at the same time and the same way. Refer to control number 4575 for additional information. DISPOSITION: Open JC-001-002013 LOPATIN, N. JC-001-002014 Reporting Agency Reporting Officer Case Report No CONTINUATION SUPPLEMENT X JCSO GALLEGOS 99-76252 Connecting Case Report No Victim Name Original Report Date This Report CONTROL NUMBER 4575 06-15-99 Offense Status: Open X Exceptionally Cleared Recommend Case: Review X HOMICIDE □ □ Cleared by Arrest □ Unfounded □ ClosuI re □ WITNESS: NATHAN BRIDGER LOPATIN, W/M, DOB/ 030382 8078 W. Caley Place Littleton, CO. 80123 (303) 979-6609 ZACHARY INGLES, W/M (303) 932-0788 INVESTIGATION: On June 14, 1999, I spoke to Nathan Lopatin by telephone in reference to the Columbine High school shooting. Lopatin said that he was in Mr. Cram’s 5th hour chemistry class at the time that he heard the shooting start Lopatin said that Mr. Cram was in front of the class lecturing when he heard a very loud pop like explosion. Lopatin said that his desk is right in front of the class, directly In front of where Mr. Cram was standing Lopatin said that with in a few seconds of hearing the explosion, Mr. Manuello and his class came running into his classroom Lopatin said that the class was told to run out through the Tech Lab. Lopatin said that he found his sister who is in Mr Manuello's class, and they ran out to the main hallway and towards the front doors of the school. Lopatin said that he ran with his sister down the hallway by the counselors offices and out the doors by the post grad. Center and into the smokers pit. Lopatin said that they had to climb over the fence in the smokers pit. and ran to Clement park. Lopatin said that he had left his car keys. backpack and other personal items inside of the Chemistry classroom, but his sister had a key to his car with her. Lopatin said that he got in his car along with his sister and Erin Boortz. He said that while driving through the park he gave a ride to Cheryl Dale and from there they a!! went to Gunther Toody’s and called their parents.
Recommended publications
  • Organizations That We Have Helped Through Our Donation Program
    Organizations That We Have Helped Through Our Donation Program Academy of Charter Schools Denver Hmong Alliance Church Nelson Baptist Church Academy of Urban Learning Denver Square and Round Dance Council New Life Worship Center Church Alameda High School Baseball Diamondbacks Little League Baseball Northglenn Colts Football (Little League) American Freedom Fastpitch Softball Team Doherty High School Football North East Colorado Square Dance Council American Legion Post 119 DTC Global Athletics North High School Wrestling & Football Arapahoe High School baseball Duncan YMCA Strong Kids Campaign North Thornton Nitro Baseball Arvada Chorale Elks Lodge in Greeley Overland Wrestling, Girl’s Basketball & Football Arvada West Cheer, Football & After Prom Erie High School Sports & Activities Pinnacle Charter School ATA Karate Schools in Thornton & Westminster Fairview High School Basketball Palmer High School Athletic Teams Bear Creek HS Baseball, Football, Music, Theatre FCCLA Parker Senior Center Beebe Christian School Falcon Middle School Athletic Teams Parker Community Church Bella Danze Artz First United Methodist Church of Golden PEO Bethsaida COGIC Freedom Swing Dance Club Pomona High School, Gymnastics, Basketball Boy Scout Troop 385 & 393 Gayton Dance Studio Prairie View High School Swim Team Bradley International George Washington Boy’s Soccer Team Premier School of Dance Brighton High School Softball & Swim Team Golden High School football team Presentation of Our Lady Catholic Church
    [Show full text]
  • Bowling for Columbine 5
    Institut for Informations- og Medievidenskab Aarhus Universitet p.o.v. A Danish Journal of Film Studies Editor Richard Raskin Number 16 December 2003 Department of Information and Media Studies University of Aarhus 2 p.o.v. number 16 December 2003 Udgiver: Institut for Informations- og Medievidenskab Aarhus Universitet Helsingforsgade 14 DK-8200 Aarhus N Oplag: 350 eksemplarer Trykkested: Repro-Afdeling, Det Humanistiske Fakultet Aarhus Universitet ISSN-nr.: 1396-1160 Omslag: Jakob Elias Nielsen Articles Copyright © 2003 the authors. The publication of this issue of p.o.v. was made possible by a grant from the Aarhus University Research Foundation. All correspondence should be addressed to: Richard Raskin Department of Information and Media Studies Helsingforsgade 14 DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark e-mail: [email protected] telephone: +45 89 42 9223 All issues of p.o.v. can be found on the Internet at: http://imv.au.dk/publikationer/pov/POV.html The contents of this journal are indexed in the MLA International Bibliography, the Film Literature Index and the International Index of Film Periodicals. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The principal purpose of p.o.v. is to provide a framework for collaborative publication for those of us who study and teach film at the Department of Information and Media Studies at the University of Aarhus. We will also invite contributions from colleagues in other departments and at other universities. Our emphasis is on collaborative projects, enabling us to combine our efforts, each bringing his or her own point of view to bear on a given film or genre or theoretical problem.
    [Show full text]
  • You Are Invited: Story to Come Hear an Incredible of Courage and Hope
    ted: You are invi n incredible story to come hear a of courage and hope. Nearly t en years ago, Rachel Scott had the courage to leave a lasting legac y in the face of Rachel Scott was deathe firstth. person killed in the Col- umbine High School Tragedy on April 20, 1999. She Now, you are invited t and a simple chal- left behind an amazingo legacy come hear Her story. lenge to anyone who will accept it--treat others with kindness and compassion and you just may change the world you live in. WHERE/WHEN: Media Fact Sheet ‡ Profile Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Rachel’s acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for the most life-changing school program in America. Her brother, Craig, was in the library that day and lost two close friends and narrowly escaped death himself. He was the only student at Columbine who was in the library, the worst of the killing zone, and also lost a sibling. Powerful audio/video footage of Rachel's Challenge holds students spell-bound during a one-hour school presentation that motivates them to positive change in the way they treat others. This is followed by a 45- minute training session involving both adult and student leaders. This is an interactive session that shows how to sustain the momentum created by the assembly. That evening the Rachel’s Challenge presenter conducts a powerful session with parents and community leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • Goths, Spooky Kids, and the American School Shooting Panic Allen Berres
    "EVERYBODY IS THEIR ENEMY": GOTHS, SPOOKY KIDS, AND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL SHOOTING PANIC ALLEN BERRES One of the earliest details to leak out about Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold following their horrifying shooting spree at Columbine High School was that they were supposedly members of a clique that called itself "The Trench Coat Mafia." This name was readily snapped up by the journalists covering the story, and by the evening following the shootings, numerous news organizations were running pieces about this group in an attempt to shed greater light on the reasons why Harris and Klebold killed thirteen people and themselves. Although the Trench Coat Mafia clique was confined to Columbine High School, journalists quickly pointed out many supposed links between this clique and two larger music fan cultures whose members occasionally wear black trench coats that are found in almost every American high school: goths and Marilyn Manson fans. A wave of anti-goth, anti-Marilyn Manson sentiment immediately followed this over-hasty association, motivated by the overwhelming fear that any member of these black-clad legions could turn out to be the next school shooter. The label "goth" (an abbreviation of "gothic") was adopted by a culture of music fans that started in the late 70s and early 80s as an offshoot of punk. Goths are fans of a variety of generally gloomy bands, including the Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Cure. They are also known for favoring black clothing, ranging from lacy gowns to biker jackets to band t-shirts. One of the bands that is occasionally included in the list of goth musical acts is a band named Marilyn Manson.
    [Show full text]
  • Jeffco Public Schools 2014-15 Report to the Community
    Jeffco Public Schools 2014‐15 Report to the Community Welcome to Our Year The 2014‐15 school year was full of accomplishments for Jeffco Public Schools.Throughout this report, you will learn more about the great news and the outstanding work happening in Jeffco Public Schools. Our Year in Review "Jeffco students are rising because of the challenging programs we offer that integrate high quality academics with other skills necessary to thrive in the future." ‐ Dan McMinimee, Superintendent The 2014‐15 school year was full of accomplishments for Jeffco Public Schools: Students in Jeffco Public Schools undertook new and incredible challenges this year, with the guidance of the great teachers and staff. Forty‐two Jeffco schools received academic awards from the Colorado Department of Educaon (CDE) with some winning double honors. Twenty‐six Jeffco schools received John Irwin Schools of Excellence Awards and 23 schools received the Governor's Disnguished Improvement Awards. District teachers also received recognion for their outstanding work both in the classroom and in the community. Jeffco Public Schools worked together with the Jefferson County community to beer serve students in all capacies throughout the district. Throughout this report, you will learn more about the great news and the outstanding work happening in Jeffco Public Schools. Teacher and Staff Achievements “He teaches life skills and communicaon skills that can't come out of a textbook. ” Ryan West, Falcon Bluffs Principal on theater teacher Anthony Bruno, the 2014 Elementary/Middle School Theater Educator of the Year Percentage of highly‐qualified teachers: 99.55% Percentage of classes taught by highly‐qualified teachers: 99.32% Outstanding teachers recognized by 9News Jeffco Public Schools had two outstanding teachers recognized as 9Teachers Who Care, by 9News.
    [Show full text]
  • Bowling for Columbine
    BGF006 BANKED GAP FILL Complete the text below with words from the box . There are THREE words you will not need. Bowling for Columbine Bowling for Columbine is a documentary film, produced and _______________ by Michael Moore. It explores the main _______________ for the Columbine High School massacre that killed 12 students and one teacher on April 20, 1999. Moore account focuses on the background and _______________ in which the shooting took place, as well as common opinions on why violence is so _______________ in achieved America. The film won numerous awards including the Academy Award for the best bear documentary. The film’s title refers to what the students _______________ for the Columbine belief shooting – Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold – did on the day they committed the causes attacks. controversy Bowling for Columbine starts off with Moore’s visit to a bank in Michigan where he gets a rifle in return for opening up a bank _______________. The Michigan Militia crime are shown and interviewed at shooting practice , where they maintain the _______________, that only they themselves can protect themselves and their defended families from danger. environment The documentary also highlights the production of _______________ of mass destruction that are used in wars and conflicts around the world. Moore suggests founded that this, too, may be linked to the Colorado school shooting. Many possible highly reasons for gun _______________ are mentioned in the film: hate towards African Americans, the history of the United States, the media and even goth rock music , media represented by Marylyn Manson. narrated Moore takes a look at the situation in Canada, where gun _______________ is at a level similar to that of the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Conifer Weekly Announcements Hello Conifer
    Conifer Weekly Announcements Hello Conifer Family and Friends, this is Principal Paxton with your weekly update on news and information for the week of Monday, April 19th through Saturday, April 24th. Here are some important announcements… Mountain Resource Help Conifer Student Government collect canned and boxed food items, along with Center Can Food other personal hygiene products for the Mountain Resource Center. The final day Drive – Final Day – to donate has been extended to Monday, April 19th! Thank you for your support! Monday, April 19th Counseling Workshop The next Conifer Counseling Center Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20th – Tuesday, April 20th from 3:00 until 3:30 p.m. The Counselors will be discussing College Planning in more from 3:00 to 3:30 depth! Here is the link and meeting code to join the presentation: p.m. https://tinyurl.com/39w6vyzh Meeting ID: 852 8555 0503 Passcode: 330552 2021-2022 Student Students, please help us elect the 2021-2022 Student Body President and Vice Body President and President. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors can vote ONCE in this election, which Vice President ends on Friday, April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Votes casted by Seniors and non-Conifer Election students will be deleted from the vote tally. Make your voice heard by electing next year’s Student Body President and Vice President. Voting Link: https://forms.gle/wzrShwNtfTsUw5eU6 Graduation Ceremony Attention Seniors, on Wednesday, April 21st, we will have Speaker and Singer try- Speaker and Singer outs in the Cafeteria from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • TR-128 Wanton Violence at Columbine High School
    U.S. Fire Administration/Technical Report Series Wanton Violence at Columbine High School Littleton, Colorado USFA-TR-128/April 1999 Homeland Security U.S. Fire Administration Fire Investigations Program he U.S. Fire Administration develops reports on selected major fires throughout the country. The fires usually involve multiple deaths or a large loss of property. But the primary criterion T for deciding to do a report is whether it will result in significant “lessons learned.” In some cases these lessons bring to light new knowledge about fire--the effect of building construction or contents, human behavior in fire, etc. In other cases, the lessons are not new but are serious enough to highlight once again, with yet another fire tragedy report. The reports are sent to fire magazines and are distributed at National and Regional fire meetings. The International Association of Fire Chiefs assists USFA in disseminating the findings throughout the fire service. On a continuing basis the reports are available on request from USFA; announcements of their availability are published widely in fire journals and newsletters. This body of work provides detailed information on the nature of the fire problem for policymakers who must decide on allocations of resources between fire and other pressing problems, and within the fire service to improve codes and code enforcement, training, public fire education, building technology, and other related areas. The Fire Administration, which has no regulatory authority, sends an experienced fire investigator into a community after a major incident only after having conferred with the local fire authorities to insure that USFA’s assistance and presence would be supportive and would in no way interfere with any review of the incident they are themselves conducting.
    [Show full text]
  • The Report of Governor Bill Owens'
    The Report of Governor Bill Owens’ COLUMBINE REVIEW COMMISSION Hon. William H. Erickson, Chairman MAY 2001 STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens May 2001 Governor Dear Fellow Coloradan, On April 20, 1999, two students at Columbine High School southwest of Denver murdered 12 fellow students and one teacher in the worst school shooting in U.S. history. The Columbine tragedy forever changed the way Americans think about the potential for violence in our schools. No one can erase the horror of that day, or restore the losses suffered by the victims and their families. Yet only by learning from Columbine can we hope to prevent similar tragedies in the future. On January 28, 2000, I signed an executive order creating the Columbine Review Commission, to conduct an inde- pendent review of the tragedy that occurred on April 20, 1999. I appointed the distinguished William H. Erickson, former Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, to chair the commission. The commission’s volunteer members spent over a year conducting public hearings and examining thousands of pages of documents before compiling their findings and recommendations. The full report follows. The report is also posted on the state’s website at: http://www.state.co.us. To the members of the commission I extend a heartfelt thanks for the many hours devoted to this difficult task. They have provided a great public service, and we are deeply grateful. Sincerely, Bill Owens Governor of Colorado T HE G OVERNOR’ S C OLUMBINE R EVIEW C OMMISSION Commission members pictured here are: 3rd row: Stephen D.
    [Show full text]
  • Weekly Announcements
    Conifer Weekly Announcements Hello Conifer Family and Friends, this is Principal Paxton with your weekly update on news and information for the week of Monday, May 3rd through Saturday, May 8th. Here are some important announcements… Teacher Appreciation Join us as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week – Week, May 3-7, 2021. We are saying 'thank you’ May 3-7, 2021 this week, and throughout the year, to the extraordinary educators at Conifer High School who have worked tirelessly with students and families to keep things moving forward, despite such an unpredictable year. Nurse Appreciation Thank you Nurse Carole Coukos for all you do for Day – May 5, 2021 the students and staff at Conifer High School. PTSA News Please join PTSA as we prepare to appreciate all the amazing work our teachers and staff have done this year. We will honor all staff the week of May 3rd – May 7th. Please see the flyer in this week’s announcements. Respecting This past week, I’ve received some complaints from business owners, located in a Neighborhood neighboring shopping center, regarding student horseplay, inappropriate behavior, Business Properties and littering. I understand Conifer students are anxious to gather together after school to socialize, especially after the past year. Students, please remember we’re a small community and there are lots of eyes and ears monitoring your behavior. Make sure to represent the best in Conifer High School … Be a true Lobo! Otherwise, businesses may limit student gatherings and access. COVID Procedures At Conifer High School, we’re committed to following the district guidelines to identify who needs to be quarantined based on exposure/contact with someone who has contracted the COVID virus.
    [Show full text]
  • Reinvestigation Into the Death of Daniel Rohrbough at Columbine High School
    REINVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF DANIEL ROHRBOUGH AT COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL ON APRIL 20, 1999 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE JOHN WESLEY ANDERSON, SHERIFF 205 South Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (719) 520-7211 www.elpasoco.com/sheriff TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction………………………………………... Page 2 II. Interviews………………………………….………. Page 4 A. Student and Faculty………….……………... Page 5 B. Law Enforcement…………..……………….. Page 11 C. Emergency Medical Services…………..…… Page 14 D. Other…………..……………………………. Page 15 III. Time Line………………………………………….. Page 17 IV. Forensic Analysis………………………...………... Page 22 V. Conclusion of Findings……..……………………... Page 27 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the following organizations for their trust and confidence: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Denver Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Coroner’s Office and the staff of Columbine High School. Without their complete cooperation in providing unlimited access to their personnel, records, reports and physical evidence, the depth and thoroughness of the reinvestigation effort into the death of Daniel Rohrbough, at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, could not have occurred. INTRODUCTION On January 4, 2002, Sheriff John Wesley Anderson, of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, received a written request from Sheriff John Stone, of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, outlining the scope of a reinvestigation Sheriff Stone had requested be conducted into the Columbine High School shootings that occurred on April 20, 1999. Sheriff Anderson and Sheriff Stone had previous conversations concerning the need for a reinvestigation into the shooting death of Columbine High School student Daniel Rohrbough.
    [Show full text]
  • How the Shootings of Cassie Bernall and Valeen Schnurr Fueled One of Columbine’S Biggest Myths
    How The Shootings Of Cassie Bernall And Valeen Schnurr Fueled One Of Columbine’s Biggest Myths Marco Margaritoff All That Is Interesting March 5, 2019 Cassie Bernall was supposedly killed at Columbine for refusing to renounce God, but she had actually been mistaken for fellow student Valeen Schnurr. Wikimedia Cassie Bernall The Columbine High School massacre of 1999 sent shockwaves across America and forced an entire nation to try to wrestle with unanswerable questions. How could two teenage boys commit such horrific acts of violence? Where did we go wrong? Is the world a chaotic pit with no fundamental meaning, or God-given direction? The grieving country desperately tried to find answers, and for a while, found one in Cassie Bernall. Cassie Bernall was 17 when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold gunned her down during the massacre at Columbine High. As the studious daughter of a religious mother, Misty Bernall, the young woman became a sort of martyr when a student witness named Emily Wyant claimed that Bernall had refused to reject God during the shootings, causing Klebold to kill her. So there it was: These troubled boys could at least be filed as “anti-religion” and we could all feel like we understood them to some degree. In reality, however, Cassie Bernall was killed without any such prologue — which Wyant only finally revealed more than 10 years later. In the meantime, the myth gained so much traction that outlets like Salon and Rocky Mountain News as well as Misty Bernall’s book, She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall captivated a nation.
    [Show full text]