Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 6, 2008 10:51:51 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Mental Illness Drove NIU Killer to Suicide Tries

Posted Jul 10, 08 2:20 PM CDT in Crime & Courts,  US 

(Newser) – The shooter who left 5 dead and 15 injured at Northern Illinois University in February had tried to kill himself four times, an investigative effort by Esquire finds. “I want to die. Life sucks,” Steve Kazmierczak told a nurse after attempting to overdose on prescription medication while in high school in suburban Chicago.

Though obviously disturbed, nothing in the report gives a clear explanation for his murderous rampage, reports the Chicago Tribune. Kazmierczak, who was treated for bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorders, also apparently heard voices and suffered psychotic episodes. He also enlisted in the army after Sept. 11, 2001, but was discharged after his superiors became aware of his mental health history.

Source Chicago Tribune

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
A hotel employee cleans up at a Travelodge on Feb. 15, 2008, after investigators searched through the room near Northern Illinois University where gunman Steven Kazmierczak was staying.   (AP Photo)
This undated photo released by tattoo artist Jason Dunavan shows the right arm of NIU shooter Steven Kazmierczak with the a tattoo of a character from the movie "The Saw."   (AP Photo)
This undated photo released by tattoo artist Jason Dunavan shows one of the tattoos on the left arm of NIU shooter Steven Kazmierczak.   (AP Photo)
This photo shows Steven Kazmierczak, identified as the gunman who killed five people at Northern Illinois University in February.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 3)

Tags

suicide  • school shooting  • gunman  • Northern Illinois University  • bipolar disorder  • Steven Kazmierczak  • shooters  • prescription pills  • OCD


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »