The criminal investigation of the Deer Creek Middle School shootings is shaping up to be one of the biggest in Jefferson County since the Columbine High School shootings 11 years ago.
Unlike Columbine shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, Deer Creek suspect Bruco “Bo” Strong Eagle Eastwood is alive to answer for the shootings of 13-year-old Reagan Weber and 14-year-old Matthew Thieu.
“We have a suspect in custody who is facing very serious charges,” said Jacki Kelley, spokeswoman for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Many investigators in the case have already worked with little sleep since 3 p.m. Tuesday, Kelley said.
They intend to interview every student, teacher and staff member at Deer Creek next week.
They want to speak with every person whether they saw the shootings or not, Kelley said.
“It’s a lot of work,” she said. A large contingent of deputies and investigators are working the case, she said.
Some witnesses may not think they saw or heard anything significant, but investigators are after every tidbit, Kelley said.
As accurately as they can, they want to be able to document each step Eastwood took chronologically, she said.
“We owe it to the students and teachers of the school to do a very thorough investigation,” Kelley said.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
