Mother Of Colorado Shooter: ‘You Have The Right Person’

There is absolutely horrible news out of Colorado today. A dozen people were gunned down in a shooting spree at a Colorado theater. And some 50 others were injured in the attack during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

The heavily armed gunman threw a tear gas canister into the theater before going up the aisle, silently, shooting people. He was heavily armed and authorities are worried that his apartment is booby trapped as well.

When dealing with evil such as this, it’s hard to remember that even these madmen have mothers. The suspect has been identified as James Holmes, 24. From ABC News:

A San Diego woman who identified herself as James Holmes’ mother told ABC News she had awoken unaware of the shooting and had not yet been contacted by authorities. She immediately expressed concern that her son may have been involved.

“You have the right person,” she said, apparently speaking on gut instinct. “I need to call the police… I need to fly out to Colorado.”

Ugh. I wonder what she knows that made her say that. Was it a history of mental illness or other problems? Families who have had members with some forms of mental illness frequently talk about how powerless they feel. They worry that their family member might hurt someone else or them self. And there’s little you can do to prevent something like that.

A few years ago I read an essay from a woman whose son had committed suicide by cop. He had paranoid schizophrenia and she said for years she worried he would kill people or kill himself. She said that as horrible as his death was, she was thankful it was only he who died. I can’t imagine.

When tragedies such as this happen, it makes you hold your children tighter and appreciate the time you have with them and whatever health they have. And for those who have lost children to a senseless murder, few words can provide the comfort they need.

(Photo: Losevsky Photo/Shutterstock)

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