Columbine High School principal Frank DeAngelis received an e-mail Wednesday morning from a North Carolina teenager who warned that he would attack his former Hillsborough high school.
A short time later, Alvaro Castillo allegedly killed his father and shot at his school, slightly injuring two students.
DeAngelis did not read the e-mail, which did not specify a town or school, until after the incident, Jefferson County Schools officials said today.
When DeAngelis opened the e-mail, he immediately contacted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and schools security department, which notified the sheriff in Orange County, N.C., about the e-mail, according to a statement released by the school district.
DeAngelis was on lunch duty at noon today and could not be reached for comment. His secretary said all calls were being referred to the district communications department.
The Associated Press reported the e-mail read: “Dear Principal, In a few hours you will probably hear about a school shooting in North Carolina. I am responsible for it. I remember Columbine. It is time the world remembered it. I am sorry. Goodbye.”
When Castillo was arrested near the school, police found pipe bombs and weapons in his van, authorities said.
Castillo also mentioned the Columbine massacre as he arrived this morning for an initial court appearance.
When asked why he fixated on the 1999 Columbine tragedy, Castillo – who witnesses said was wearing a black trench coat similar to those worn by killers Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris – said he didn’t know.
The 19-year-old was assigned a lawyer and ordered held without bond.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
