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'I've Just Snapped,' Writes Mall Shooter

He apologizes to family in suicide note

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 7, 2007 7:02 PM CST

(Newser) – The Omaha mall gunman apologized to family and friends in a suicide note released today and says he "just snapped" before killing eight people and himself in a shopping mall, the AP reports. "I know everyone will remember me as some sort of monster but please understand that I just don't want to be a burden," wrote Robert Hawkins, 19. "I just want to take a few pieces of (expletive) with me."

Hawkins wrote that he was unable to "take this meaningless existence anymore" and described himself as "a constant disappointment." He expressed his love for several people, including "mommy" and "dad," to whom he offered his car on a separate page. And while he refused to blame friends who disowned him, he added: "Just think tho I'm gonna be (expletive) famous."

This image taken from a video surveillance camera and released by the Omaha Police Department Friday Dec. 7, 2007 shows gunman Robert A. Hawkins inside the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Neb. Wednesday Dec.... (Associated Press)

This image taken from a video surveillance camera and released by the Omaha Police Department Friday Dec. 7, 2007 shows gunman Robert A. Hawkins raising a rifle in the Von Maur Department store in the... (Associated Press)

This image taken from a video surveillance camera and released by the Omaha Police Department Friday Dec. 7, 2007 shows gunman Robert A. Hawkins walking into the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Neb. Wednesday... (Associated Press)

This undated yearbook photo shows Robert A. Hawkins, identified by police as the man who opened fire with a rifle at a busy Omaha, Neb., department store Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Yearbook photo... (Associated Press)

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'I've Just Snapped,' Writes Mall Shooter

He apologizes to family in suicide note

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Mall Shooter Spent 2 Years in Treatment

'No indication' he would launch killing spree, says official

Ohio Killer of 5 Vowed He Would Change

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Omaha Mall Reopens Under Heavy Security

Van Maur store, where the shooter opened fire, remains closed

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Police say he hid an AK-47 inside balled-up sweatshirt

Mall Shooter Was Depressed, Seemed 'Gentle'

Teenage gunman had prior arrests, but was thought harmless

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'I've Just Snapped,' Writes Mall Shooter

He apologizes to family in suicide note

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

suicide • murder • Omaha • will • suicide note • Omaha mall shooting • Robert Hawkins • shooting

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Mall Shooter Spent 2 Years in Treatment

'No indication' he would launch killing spree, says official

Ohio Killer of 5 Vowed He Would Change

'I WILL NOT let you down,' he wrote to judge in 2005

Omaha Mall Reopens Under Heavy Security

Van Maur store, where the shooter opened fire, remains closed

Omaha Shooter Cased Store, Smuggled Gun

Police say he hid an AK-47 inside balled-up sweatshirt

Mall Shooter Was Depressed, Seemed 'Gentle'

Teenage gunman had prior arrests, but was thought harmless

About Us

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Newser By Users

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