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Columbine Task Force - Library Team - Part 2

INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTATION

Team V prepared individual detailed reports related to all interviews conducted. Each of those interviews were summarized in a standardized format for quick reference of specific information. All victim/witness interviews were compared to the physical evidence ballistic reports, medical reports and autopsy reports for consistency where applicable. After analyzing the above investigative materials, an event summary was prepared describing each significant occurrence while the suspects occupied the library. The event summary is supported by 47 individual event diagrams. Various other diagrams were also prepared to identify each individual's location at the time of this incident, while other diagrams were utilized to identify the location of physical evidence.

COMMON VICTIM/WITNESS PERCEPTIONS DURING THE INCIDENT
(Not contained in the summaries.)

  1. Initially heard popping sounds which did not arouse any concern (some students thought that they were hearing construction noises).
  2. During the initial phase of this incident, believed that the suspects were engaging in a senior prank.
  3. The belief that they were actually hiding at the point the suspects entered the library.
  4. The inability to estimate the number of gunshots during the course of the incident.
  5. Inability to distinguish between the gunshots and explosions.
  6. Distortion of time.
  7. The belief that the suspects were enjoying themselves during the incident.
  8. Impaired observations or recall at the point that the suspects came within close proximity of their location.
  9. For those who were injured (even slightly), the belief that they were the last one shot (impaired recall after being injured).
  10. The belief that playing dead would discourage additional violence.
  11. The belief that they were one of the last people to leave the library (most students failed to provide assistance to anyone when leaving the library).
  12. Many of victims/witnesses were able to recall various details of the incident, but had difficulty recalling the events in chronological order.
  13. It was evident that the media had an impact on witness' statements. Those problems were rectified during the interviews.


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