Duane R. Morrison circled the parking lot of Platte Canyon High School at least once the day before he carried out his violent rampage on campus.
Investigators found footage of Morrison driving around the school in his Jeep in surveillance tapes from the campus, said Lance Clem, spokesman for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
And a .44-caliber handgun was found on Ben Tyler Trail, near Jefferson Lake where Morrison camped. The weapon is registered to a member of Morrison’s family, said Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener.
He said Morrison would have passed the high school on the way to his campsite.
Detectives followed several tips Monday from people who say they remember Morrison in Bailey or near the school, Clem said.
“They are good leads,” he said. “They are from people who appear to be accurate in their assumption that they saw him.”
Authorities are focusing on why Morrison targeted the school and whether he singled out anyone in particular, Clem said.
Wegener said Morrison asked some students their names, but it’s unclear whether he already knew them or was trying to get to know them.
“This still doesn’t answer my big question, which is ‘Why?’ We are still trying to find out whether this was a random act or whether this was targeted or if there was something about this school,” Wegener said.
Even Morrison’s siblings are trying to figure out why their 53-year-old brother decided to take female students hostage, molest some of them and then shoot 16-year-old Emily Keyes in the head Wednesday.
“The reported actions of Duane are inconsistent with all we know about Duane and how he lived his life,” the family wrote in a statement released Monday. “Nothing about Duane or our relationships with him suggested that he would ever do something like this.”
Morrison’s family also expressed sorrow about Emily’s murder.
“We realize that they have suffered a loss that no family should have to bear,” they wrote. “As loving parents ourselves, we can truly understand the sense of devastation and loss they have suffered. We will never understand why Duane took the life of this vibrant and loving young lady.”
Toxicology tests that may shed light on Morrison’s mental state were not available Monday.
Park County Coroner Sharon Morris said Morrison’s preliminary autopsy report might be released today along with Emily’s autopsy report.
Meanwhile, Platte Canyon school Superintendent Jim Walpole announced plans to reopen Platte Canyon High and Fitzsimmons Middle School in several phases this week.
On Monday, teachers and staff returned to work and students’ sports activities resumed at the high school’s east building complex and on the fields.
A football game between the Platte Canyon Huskies and the Colorado Springs Christian Lions kicks off today at 3:30 p.m. on Platte Canyon’s football field.
The game is dedicated to the memory of Emily and the ongoing struggle for healing in Bailey. Emily’s parents are expected to receive the game ball in a special presentation.
Also today, school officials are giving the media a 2:30 p.m. tour of the high school.
Wednesday, students and parents can come to Platte Canyon High and Fitzsimmons Middle schools between 8 and 11 a.m. to meet teachers, obtain schedule and room assignment changes and pick up personal belongings.
Thursday, the schools return to a normal schedule and counseling will be available for students throughout the day.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
