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Ohio School Shooting Not Out of the Blue

'I got something for you all,' threatened the suspended teen

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2007 6:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Asa Coon, the Cleveland 14-year-old who shot two teachers and two classmates yesterday before turning his gun on himself, had a troubled past that included fights at school and a suicide attempt, reports the AP. Coon twice spent time in juvenile facilities, was charged with domestic violence against his mother, and was suspended before the attack for fighting with another student at SuccessTech Academy.

Classmates say Coon frequently swore at teachers and threatened to "blow up our school" and "stab everybody," but that no one took his statements seriously. The fight that provoked the suspension was over religion: Coon said he didn't believe in God, but worshiped Marilyn Manson. Parents of SuccessTech students have criticized the school's security policies, which included inconsistently used metal detectors and a recent cutback in guards.

Students and faculty huddle outside of the SuccessTech Academy alternative school in Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, following a shooting. A 14-year-old suspended student, dressed in black, opened fire in his downtown high school Wednesday, wounding four people as terrified schoolmates hid in closets and bathrooms and huddled under...
Students and faculty huddle outside of the SuccessTech Academy alternative school in Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, following a shooting. A 14-year-old suspended student, dressed in black,...   (Associated Press)
A Cleveland police officer runs into SuccessTech Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. after shooting inside. Mayor Frank Jackson said three young people and two adults were hurt by a student who turned the gun on himself. (AP Photo//The Plain Dealer, Gus Chan)
A Cleveland police officer runs into SuccessTech Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. after shooting inside. Mayor Frank Jackson said three young people and two adults were hurt by a...   (Associated Press)
Family members hug outside the SuccessTech Academy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, in Cleveland. A gunman opened fire Wednesday at the alternative school and three children were taken to a hospital, the mayor said. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Family members hug outside the SuccessTech Academy Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, in Cleveland. A gunman opened fire Wednesday at the alternative school and three children were taken to a hospital, the mayor...   (Associated Press)
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school shooting • Asa H. Coon • SuccessTech Academy • gun violence

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