Colorado Town Mourns Girl Killed in School Shooting Last Edited: Saturday, 30 Sep 2006, 2:31 PM MDT
Created: Saturday, 30 Sep 2006, 9:01 AM MDT
This small mountain community on Saturday publicly mourned a 16-year-old girl killed in a high school standoff as investigators learned more about the gunman, including a letter that warned of his impending death.
Several thousand people, many carrying flowers, poured into the memorial. Pink ribbons lined the road, tied to ponderosa pines.
On Friday night, a candelight vigil was held. "I think everybody's looking for answers," said Gray Anderson, a counselor who has been talking with residents. "People are just looking for reasons why."
The 14-page letter from Duane Morrison was postmarked Wednesday in nearby Shawnee — the same day he took six girls hostage and killed himself.
Morrison claimed in the letter that it was not a suicide note, Sheriff Fred Wegener said.
"However, many times, the letter references suicide," Wegener said. "This letter clearly acknowledges his pending death. It also apologizes to his family for his actions that will occur."
The letter contains no reference to Platte Canyon High or any other school, nor does it refer to a specific time or plans to harm anyone else, authorities said, leaving investigators with no known connection between the gunman and this town of about 3,500 people 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Denver.
Morrison, 53, sexually molested all six girls before SWAT teams stormed the classroom, the sheriff said. During a gun battle with police, Morrison shot 16-year-old Emily Keyes to death and then killed himself.