Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Profile of a school shooter

So, now that we have delved into the school shooting at Columbine, as vividly reported by Dave Cullen in his book Columbine, what is the profile of a school shooter? There is not a profile, other than the fact that most shooters so far have been males! The two biggest myths are that the shooters are loners and that they "snapped." Most (93%) planned the attack well in advance. Most also had confided their intentions or made advance confessions. 98% had experienced a loss (don't we all?), but they perceived that their loss was extremely serious (and our losses don't matter). Eric Harris was arrested and handcuffed; that accelerated his anger. How dare anyone hold him accountable for his criminal behavior? Dylan Klebold viewed his whole life as a failure.

One key is the specificity of the threats. Do they have a motive? Have they done work to carry it out? Do they have a preoccupation with death, destruction, and violence? Have they written or produced a graphic mutilation story? Is there evidence of malice, brutality? Is there repetition leading to obsession (working guns and violence into every situation)? Warning signs Cullen lists include manipulation, intolerance, believing they are superior to the rest of us, narcissism, alienation, rigidity, lethargy, dehumanization of others, externalizing blame.

Eric Harris was released early from his juvenile diversion program, because he had learned how to con each and every adult he came into contact with. He learned to mimic remorse, and give great apologies, even though he was plotting the murders at the same time. He tried unsuccessfully to recruit additional manpower.

1 comment:

Terri Wagner said...

The most interesting trait among all these killers is their charm. Teddy Bundy apparently had it. You can't help but wonder would they have conned you?