The Meaning Of Murder

Ten years on, what are the lessons of Columbine?

Kevin Moloney / Getty

Columbine high school shooters Eric Harris, left, and Dylan Klebold appear on a surveillance tape in the cafeteria at Columbine High School April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado.

They weren't gay. They weren't part of the Trench Coat Mafia (although there was a real Trench Coat Mafia). They weren't nerds or outcasts or goths, and they didn't target jocks or black people or anybody in particular. They did not go bowling for Columbine. They skipped class that morning instead.

Dave Cullen is a journalist who has spent the past 10 years in Colorado trying to figure out exactly what happened at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and why, and what the consequences were. He has read the killers' diaries, watched the surveillance tapes and interviewed many of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!