Columbine Link to Twins' Suicide Pact? Traces of Shooting Massacre in Sisters' Belongings
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS/AP) Investigators found a photocopy of a magazine cover related to the Columbine shootings among the belongings of Australian twin sisters Kristin and Candice Hermeler, who shot themselves in a reported suicide pact at a Colorado shooting range.
However, when questioned about the cover headlined "The Monsters Next Door/What Made Them Do It?," the one surviving sister Candice Hermeler dismissed its significance, saying she did not care about the May 1999 high school massacre which ended with the double suicide of the two gunmen.
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Capt. Louie Perea begs to differ. He believes the Time magazine cover found amongst stuffed animals, cell phones, and jewelry shows that the 29-year-old twins had some interest in the Columbine tragedy.
Perea's belief appears to be supported by an investigative team for CBS affiliate KCNC. They uncovered a letter, allegedly written by Kristin, to a student at Columbine High School who was once targeted by one of the gunmen, but was ultimately spared because they had subsequently become friends.
In the letter dated June 12, 1999, Kristin wrote, "As someone who has been rejected, victimized and ostracized in their life, I would like to thank you for giving him [Eric Harris] that chance."She went on to write, "Thank you for not judging and for accepting Eric and Dylan [Klebold] who were, from what I have heard, rejected and victimized by so many others. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Kristin."
KCNC investigative reporter Rick Sallinger thinks the sisters purposely chose a particular gun range which was 20 miles from Columbine High School.
The Hermeler sisters were at the Family Shooting Center inside Cherry Creek State Park on Nov. 15 when they decided to carry out their apparent suicide pact.
The details of the incident remain unclear, but investigators say both women had rented handguns and received some training prior to the shootings.
Candice Hermeler remains in serious condition.
The twins' parents arrived from Australia Friday but have declined to comment publicly.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF TWINS' SUICIDE PACT ON CRIMESIDER