A 14-year-old student opened fire at his Ohio high school, wounding four people before killing himself.
Asa Coon had a history of mental problems and was known for cursing at teachers and bickering with students. He had been suspended for fighting and had warned classmates of an attack -- but none took him seriously.
"When he got suspended, he was like `I got something for you all,'" said student Frances Henderson, who said she often got into arguments with Coon.
PHOTO: AP
Police believe Coon targeted the two teachers he shot on Wednesday. He also shot two students while others hid in closets and bathrooms or ran out of SuccessTech Academy alternative school. Students gathered outside, many in tears, hugging one another and talking on cellphones.
Parents were angry that firearms got into a school equipped with metal detectors that students said were intermittently used.
Coon's troubles seemed to come to a tipping point this week when he was suspended for fighting with a classmate.
Students said Monday's fight was over God -- Coon told his classmates he did not believe in God and instead worshipped rocker Marilyn Manson.
Armed with two revolvers on Wednesday, Coon fired eight shots, Police Chief Michael McGrath said.
Math teacher David Kachadourian, who was treated at a hospital for a minor wound to the back of one shoulder, knew of no reason why Coon might target him.
Coon had mental health problems, spent time in two juvenile facilities and threatened to commit suicide while in a mental health facility, according to juvenile court records obtained by the Plain Dealer newspaper.
The first person shot, 14-year-old Michael Peek, punched Coon in the face right before the shootings, student Rasheem Smith said.
Coon "came out of the bathroom and bumped Mike and he [Mike] punched him in his face. Mike started walking. He shot Mike in the side," said Smith, 15.
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