APRIL 20, 1999 - LITTLETON, COLO.
Officials fear other students may have known about impending attack
By Matt Sebastian
Camera Staff Writer
LITTLETON — Although only two students appear to have been involved in Tuesday’s mass murder at Columbine High School, officials fear others may have known of the duo’s plans.
“I think there is some evidence to suggest other people were at least aware of what was going on,”Jefferson County District Attorney David J. Thomas said at a Wednesday afternoon press con´ ference.
Jefferson County Sheriff John P. Stone concurred with the prosecutor, arguing it would have been difficult for two people to carry so many explosives into the school. Police believe Columbine students Eric David Harris, 18, and Dylan Bennett Klebold, 17, walked into the high school at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, killing 12 students and one teacher before taking their own lives.
Eleven of the victims were male, while four were female, officials said. Ambulances transported 28 people to seven area hospitals.
According to Jefferson County sheriff’s spokesman Steve Davis, investigators found close to 30 explosive devices in the school, the suspects’ cars and one of the suspect’s homes.
The identities of those killed have not been released, although officials have made tentative identifications of the bodies and notified next of kin.
As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, 13 of the bodies remained inside the school as investigators combed the crime scene. The coroner is expected to claim the remaining bodies this afternoon or evening.
Responding to reports that the slayings were racially motivated, the district attorney said investigators have found no such underpinnings.
“It appears to me that most of the victims were victims because of where they were at the time, not because they were sought out,”Thomas said.
Columbine students gathered throughout the day at Robert F. Clement Park, just a few blocks from the school, to share their stories and their grief. “I still have a lot of friends I haven’t found,”said 18-year-old Chris Logan.“I’m still hoping for the best.”
Nick Baumgart, 17, believes two of his friends are among the dead. “There are still people inside that school unaccounted for,”Baumgart said.“But it still hasn’t hit.”
April 21, 1999
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BACKGROUND
Full index of the shooting Reconstruction of the shooting Timeline Location the school Floorplan Weapons used
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AUDIO
'Friend of Mine' Listen to the Columbine Memorial song sung by Columbine students Jonathan and Stephen Cohen.
911 tapes
Interview with Arun Ghandi |
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PHOTOS
A Daily Camera photo essay detailed the tragedy of April 20 and the recovery and remembrance in the following weeks: photo essay
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INTERACT
In light of the shooting on April 20, should the state legislature allow people to carry concealed weapons? vote here
With the recent rise in school violence, do you feel schools are still safe? vote here
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THE INVESTIGATION
Gunmen paid for weapons, teenager claims CHS investigators focus on computers Investigators try to disprove third CHS shooter Man charged with selling handgun to child FBI investigator's son linked to case Agents creating models of Columbine Teen targeted by sheriff denies involvement in school attack Arrest in Columbine shooting Killer reportedly took Luvox antidepressant Officials no closer to arresting suspects Detectives question shooter's girlfriend Security videotapes at school may show whether gunmen had help Bombs found in cafeteria Portraits of the killers Killer's diary describes plot of hate |
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SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Violence in Georgia School violence stuns nation Teen wounds six fellow students Teens charged in alleged school attack plot Michigan teenagers charged in plot Other school shootings 1927 school bombing killed nearly 40 children Suspensions, arrests across country La. school site of another shooting Facts: Death in schools 'Blood in the School Yard', from the Cincinnati Post full series |
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REACTION
High schools' 'cult of the athlete' under scrutiny Parents of Columbine shooters sued Suit planned against parents of Columbine High shooters Columbine spurs interest in home schools Columbine healing fund raises $2.3 million Safe Night aims to curb youth violence CU frat shows support for Columbine 'Healing bear' arrives to help in Littleton Doctors: Guilt a normal reaction for survivors School security business surges Media the message? Broomfield couple campaigns to 'Erase the Hate' Clint Talbott - BVSD rejects dress code What now? Video of Clinton's Wednesday morning speech Video of Clinton's Tuesday speech
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GUNS AND LAW
GOP tinkers further with gun legislation Columbine dad lobbies Washington Group forms to back gun control Poll says two-thirds in U.S. support tougher restrictions on guns Senate passes more gun controls Columbine killers also wounded the NRA Senate rejects any new restrictions on gun-show sales Dems want special session Gun control strife House won't debate gun bill New gun laws on table Leaders scrap gun bills Guns and legislatures |
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HOW TO HELP
- The Denver Rocky Mountain News has established a drive to raise money for a memorial to the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy. Contributions may be mailed to the Columbine Memorial Fund, c/o The Jefferson Foundation, 809 Quail St., Building 1, Lakewood, CO 80215.
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