TheDenverChannel.com









Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Attorney General Warns Parents, Teens Of Internet Predators

POSTED: 2:31 pm MDT October 1, 2006
UPDATED: 2:47 pm MDT October 1, 2006

Police and the Bailey community want to know why Duane Morrison took six students at Platte Canyon High School hostage before shooting and killing a student and then himself last Wednesday.

But many are also want to know why Morrison chose Platte Canyon High School and why that class.

Some said they believe the Internet may have played a role. Attorney General John Suthers said there is no concrete evidence at this time to prove Duane Morrison used the Internet to target Platte Canyon High School and the six girls.

However, he said with 60,000 predators on the Internet daily, it is a likely possibility.

"There are now more than 70 million people using MySpace," said Suthers.

"One out of every five children between the ages of 10 and 18 will be subject of sexual solicitation on the Internet," said Suthers.

Sometimes predators don't stop with the solicitation and teens end up getting assaulted, abducted and in the worse cases, killed.

"Parents have to come to grips with this right now, they can't ignore this problem," said Suthers.

Authorities know of no connection between Duane Morrison and the hostages, but said a student was asked by Morrison about a list of students.

"Children have to be very concerned about any information they give out that may lead an Internet savvy predator to figure out who they are, where they live, who their parents are, what time they get home from work and all that sort of information," said Suthers.

Suthers recommends that every parent learn about chat rooms and websites such as Myspace so they can talk to their kids about the dangers.

On Monday, the attorney general's office along with Microsoft is hosting a forum in Denver to teach about 200 law enforcement agents and school officials the most up-to-date tools to track and identify predators online.


Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network