Columbine Crime Scene Evidence Released
Notes Taken By First Officers Inside Columbine High School
GOLDEN, Colo. -- Initial notes made by the first officers
who arrived on the scene of the Columbine High School shootings
indicated the killers acted with cruelty.
The 700 pages of notes released Tuesday under a judge's order
stated that one victim appeared to have been shot at very close range in
the face. Another victim appeared to have been shot while she lay
prone on the floor.
The notes and sketches made by investigators immediately after
the April 20, 1999, shootings, include graphic details of the crime
scene.
District Judge Brooke Jackson in April ordered the materials
released after CBS and several victims' families requested them.
"Some of the contents might fall within the 'be careful what
you ask for' category," Jackson said in his April 6 order.
Students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a
teacher before committing suicide.
Some victims' relatives had sued to gain access to the
investigative materials to prove their claims that authorities
mishandled the response and failed to heed warnings of the rampage.
Authorities have denied those allegations.
"I doubt that after this release that we've seen all that is
available," said Brian Rohrbaugh, who claims his son Daniel was
killed by police. "The sheriff's department has tried very
methodically not to release that information."
County officials said some material will never be released,
including most autopsy reports, and crime scene photos.
The lab books are available at the records desk on the lower level of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Complex, 200 Jefferson County Parkway. Those wanting to purchase the materials should make checks payable to Jefferson County for the cost of printing, which is $37. The county cannot accept credit-card payments.
The 700 pages of notes released Tuesday under a judge's order
stated that one victim appeared to have been shot at very close range in
the face. Another victim appeared to have been shot while she lay
prone on the floor.
The notes and sketches made by investigators immediately after
the April 20, 1999, shootings, include graphic details of the crime
scene.
District Judge Brooke Jackson in April ordered the materials
released after CBS and several victims' families requested them.
"Some of the contents might fall within the 'be careful what
you ask for' category," Jackson said in his April 6 order.
Students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a
teacher before committing suicide.
Some victims' relatives had sued to gain access to the
investigative materials to prove their claims that authorities
mishandled the response and failed to heed warnings of the rampage.
Authorities have denied those allegations.
"I doubt that after this release that we've seen all that is
available," said Brian Rohrbaugh, who claims his son Daniel was
killed by police. "The sheriff's department has tried very
methodically not to release that information."
County officials said some material will never be released,
including most autopsy reports, and crime scene photos.
The lab books are available at the records desk on the lower level of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Complex, 200 Jefferson County Parkway. Those wanting to purchase the materials should make checks payable to Jefferson County for the cost of printing, which is $37. The county cannot accept credit-card payments.
Previous Stories:
Additional Resources:- May 24, 2001: Family: Columbine Victim Shot By Police
- May 22, 2001: 'No Obligation' To Release Columbine Info, Sheriff Says
- May 18, 2001: Columbine Commission Releases Report
- May 10, 2001: Audio Experts Review Columbine Dispatch Tape
- May 9, 2001: Sheriff Won't Answer New Questions About Columbine Investigation
- May 8, 2001: Tape Suggests Police Knew Columbine Shooter Before Attack
- May 8, 2001: Columbine Families Settle With Anderson
- April 27, 2001: Sheriffs Ask Judge To Dismiss Columbine Lawsuits
- April 20, 2001: Columbine Families Reach Settlement
- April 13, 2001: Columbine Interviews Released, Grand Jury Requested
- April 11, 2001: Newly Released Columbine Documents Spark Criticism
- March 6, 2001: Columbine Parents Surprised That Shooting Warnings Were Ignored
- February 15, 2001: Columbine Commission Re-Invites Jeffco Sheriff
- January 31, 2001: Columbine Autopsy Report Ordered Released
Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.







