Gunman contacted NBC News during massacre

[Heracles 417]

The school was aware of his mental unstibility. It was brought to their attention last year when he tried to kill himself. They all decided he was a danger to himself and needed extensive therapy. The school therapist told him if he needed help she was there for him.

THATS the help they provided him. I do blame the school for what happened, if they had taken control of a severly mental, suicidal anti-social student a year ago, this wouldnt have happened on Monday.

Yet when colleges take proactive actions the following occurs.

"Student Sues After College Kicks Him Out Following Bout Of Depression"

Irrespective if they had thrown him out or not. He was clearly angry and would have taken his anger out and killed people elsewhere.

Edited April 19, 2007 by Infidel

[Jenn! 918]

I wonder where his parents stood with all of this. Has there been any talk of them? I haven't had a chance to read any articles today.

Wasn't there a court order a few years back for him to get into counseling? If so, I wonder if the parents were aware. I also wonder if they were aware and just not so supportive of his getting help.

[Amby 490]

I was shocked by this! I was shocked that he was able to take time from his killing schedule and walk calmly to the post office and post something and then resume the killing. Without anyone noticing.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Personally I don’t see how you can blame the university for failing to forsee this. It’s about as predictable as a lightning strike. Moreover, while most (if not all colleges) provide some form of counseling services – it’s hardly within the remit (or resources) of the university to assess, diagnose and treat people who are mentally unbalanced. It’s very hard to get people committed to institutional care (something which a university also doesn’t provide). Lets also not lose sight of the fact that this was 23 year old man, an adult in the eyes of the law – which makes things even more difficult – and it isn’t easy to prove that someone should be locked up without some history of violence to themselves and others. Mental illness is a tricky thing and speaking from my personal experience – the mentally ill can be quite good at concealing their disorders from strangers.

[Heracles 417]

Wasn't there a court order a few years back for him to get into counseling? If so, I wonder if the parents were aware. I also wonder if they were aware and just not so supportive of his getting help.

I was watching the news and they where discussing how some 1974 law prevents parents from obtaining any records or updates about their kids progress or health for that matter.

His family must be devastated. What would anyway say or how would they feel if they found out this was their son / brother who did this? Personally I think they should speak with the media about it.

[Jenn! 918]

Wasn't there a court order a few years back for him to get into counseling? If so, I wonder if the parents were aware. I also wonder if they were aware and just not so supportive of his getting help.

I was watching the news and they where discussing how some 1974 law prevents parents from obtaining any records or updates about their kids progress or health for that matter.

I think that's just horrible. I mean, I understand privacy issues, but shouldn't that go out the window when someone's a danger to themselves?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Wasn't there a court order a few years back for him to get into counseling? If so, I wonder if the parents were aware. I also wonder if they were aware and just not so supportive of his getting help.

I was watching the news and they where discussing how some 1974 law prevents parents from obtaining any records or updates about their kids progress or health for that matter.

His family must be devastated. What would anyway say or how would they feel if they found out this was their son / brother who did this? Personally I think they should speak with the media about it.

Hmmm your child is not only dead but has killed 32 other people. I think they'll be in great condition to appear on TV. Not.

As for the health records - this was an adult man in full charge of his affairs. Unless it was demonstrated that he was mentally incompetent and couldn't manage by himself - his parents would have had to get some sort of power of attorney over him. Clearly for some reason that didn't take place. Psychopaths aren't necessarily unintelligent or incompentant.

Edited April 19, 2007 by erekose

[Jenn! 918]

As for the health records - this was an adult man in full charge of his affairs. Unless it was demonstrated that he was mentally incompetent and couldn't manage by himself - his parents would have had to get some sort of power of attorney over him. Clearly for some reason that didn't take place. Psychopaths aren't necessarily unintelligent or incompentant.

Yes, he may have been an adult, but I don't think most college students are fully in charge of their affairs. For one, I bet his parents were paying for him to be there.

College can be a very stressful environment. I would fully support any measure to keep parents more informed.

This guy was not yet out on his own.

Edited April 19, 2007 by jenn3539

[almaty 19]

health records, including mental health or protected by hippa

[mawilson 2,133]

####### was he on about in his Mercedes-trust-fund-vodka-cognac tirade?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

As for the health records - this was an adult man in full charge of his affairs. Unless it was demonstrated that he was mentally incompetent and couldn't manage by himself - his parents would have had to get some sort of power of attorney over him. Clearly for some reason that didn't take place. Psychopaths aren't necessarily unintelligent or incompentant.

Yes, he may have been an adult male, but I don't think most college students are fully in charge of their affairs. For one, I bet his parents were paying for him to be there.

College can be a very stressful environment. I would fully support any measure to keep parents more informed.

This guy was not yet out on his own.

Agreed - but legally, in the eyes of the law he was an adult. By virtue of his age. A person can drink or vote once they hit the relevant birthday and don't generally need to wait for permission to exercise those new freedoms.

If nothing else - I would hope that this incident will make the authorities take a closer look at the quality and provision of mental health services across the various states.

[Jenn! 918]

####### was he on about in his Mercedes-trust-fund-vodka-cognac tirade?

This is what I'm talking about. Clearly his environment was exacerbating his condition. He should not have been at college.

If nothing else - I would hope that this incident will make the authorities take a closer look at the quality and provision of mental health services across the various states.

I sure hope so. I'm very disappointed that the focus thus far seems to be on gun control rather than mental health services.

[almaty 19]

mental health services are always an after thought ...when something happens, and it will be in this situation..

someone who has worked in the field longer than some of you have walked on this planet..not much will change..

[Heracles 417]

mental health services are always an after thought ...when something happens, and it will be in this situation..

someone who has worked in the field longer than some of you have walked on this planet..not much will change..

This is one area of health care which I would completely support and fund a universal health care plan. More funding would help treat a lot of problems.

It is probably one of the least discussed medical conditions yet has the most devastating consequences to people and society as a whole. I have a great deal of respect for people who work in those fields.

Edited April 19, 2007 by Infidel

[almaty 19]

mental health services are always an after thought ...when something happens, and it will be in this situation..

someone who has worked in the field longer than some of you have walked on this planet..not much will change..

This is one area of health care which I would completely support and fund a universal health care plan. More funding would help treat a lot of problems.

It is probably one of the least discussed medical conditions yet has the most devastating consequences to people and society as a whole. I have a great deal of respect for people who work in those fields.

you are indeed a right thinking type of guy brother infidel...