He broke a window, threw in the tear gas, and started shooting...

[antigone382]

...that's the unofficial story I've heard from several people who were close to the individuals involved in a fatal shooting this morning, just a few blocks from where I live, right next to the Berea College campus in Kentucky (I posted the news story here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=5066818&mesg_id=5066818).

The lowdown (involving both official and unofficial reports I have received over the course of the day) is this: the suspect was an ex-marine, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and a former employee of campus public safety, who was fired after tackling a student. Based on a facebook picture of him holding an infant, I am assuming he is a father. He had an appointment at the VA scheduled for next week...whether this was related to mental health, or just a routine check up or something, I don't know. I've heard varying reports about his mental stability from people who know him throughout the day, so I can't really say anything for certain.

In relation to this event: there was some kind of altercation at the apartment of a recent Berea College graduate last night, and he was kicked out. At about 7:00 this morning he returned, and committed the horrible act described above, leaving one man dead and another critically injured. In response, the campus was locked down for several hours, until he was caught in Louisville--some reports, and several individuals who are close to the situation, mention that he had an accomplice, but very little has been said about that. No Berea College staff or students were directly involved in what happened, but several students do live in that apartment building, and several of them knew one or all of the people involved. I have learned their names but won't say them until they are released publicly.

I really just can't process or understand it at this point. It isn't just a random apartment shooting (although I guess none of them are if you are connected to the event, directly or indirectly). Tear gas? Premeditation? Ending one life, and trying to end another...tearing yourself away from your own children, your own opportunity, for a temporary conflict? I know things like this happen nearly every day...it still makes no sense.

[antigone382]

1. One small kick, and then I'll let it rest...

Admittedly looking for a little affirmation here...

[leftynyc]

2. Too soon to have answers

We'll just have to wait and see.

[gratuitous]

3. No, it doesn't make sense

Except to devotees of the High Church of Redemptive Violence.

[Tsiyu]

4. No doubt a PTSD sufferer

Perhaps he went home after the altercation, stewed about it until he worked himself into flashback mode.

PTSD can cause psychosis in some, and it sounds like this guy may fit that category.

I am so sorry that this happened so close to you - stopped my heart it did - but let's be thankful he didn't do even more damage.

One thing is for certain, we have got to provide adequate mental health support for our returning veterans.

May all be peaceful at Berea from now on, Love. :hug:

[antigone382]

5. He apparently has a serious history of violence...

Tried to choke his wife while she was nursing their baby...and apparently the guy who was killed had broken up a fight between his eventual murderer and another person the night before...

[Tsiyu]

6. War - especially senseless war as in Iraq

does horrible things to the psyche. Though this guy may have been a madman before he deployed, his deployment certainly didn't help. PTSD - as you know too well - can cause rage, verbally and physically abusive behavior, delusions, suicidal tendencies, etc. Some people can't distinguish between what they do in a war zone and appropriate responses to confrontation once back home. It's just so sad all the way around for all concerned.

Have they located any accomplices yet?