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Mental Illness Drove NIU Killer to Suicide Tries

Army kicked gunman Kazmierczak out over mental health history

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2008 2:20 PM CDT
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(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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
This photo shows Steven Kazmierczak, identified as the gunman who killed five people at Northern Illinois University in February.   (AP Photo)
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suicide • school shooting • prescription drugs • bipolar disorder • OCD • gunman • Northern Illinois University • shooters • Steven Kazmierczak

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