Tragedy in Wisconsin

Ó Dr. Gary D. Lemmons, October 1, 2006

It is truly a shame that the State of Wisconsin does not have the death penalty. 

In my judgment, fifteen year old murderer, Eric Hainstock would be a prime candidate for the needle, the chair, the gas chamber, or the gallows.  On Friday, September 29, Hainstock pried open the gun cabinet in his home and took a shotgun.  Then he broke into his parents bedroom, which was locked (what does that tell you about this little cherub?), and took a .22 caliber revolver.  His arsenal complete, he went off to Weston (a pre-K thru12 public school) in Cazenovia, Wisconsin to celebrate "Homecoming "in an unusual sort of way.

Upon entering the school, he pointed the shotgun at a social studies teacher.  Fortunately, a custodian, Dave Thompson, was able to strong-arm the shotgun away from him.  He, then, produced the revolver.  Thompson and the teacher managed to get away, but Hainstock met Weston Principal, John Klang in the hallway.  Shots were fired, and, despite being mortally wounded, Klang was able to manhandle Hainstock to the ground and knock the revolver away from him.  Students and staff were able to hold Hainstock until police arrived.

Principal John Klang (49) died later in a Madison, Wisconsin hospital.  Police indicate that Hainstock will be tried for first degree murder as an adult.

Immediately, the whimpering excuse that Hainstock was the victim of “bullying” has been issued.  He has told investigators that "students had called him names and rubbed up against him" in the hall.  Further, he has alleged that he "didn’t believe the principal or the teachers would do anything about it."

Somehow, this poor victimized student has no explanation as to how “bullying” played into the fact that he was cited by Principal Klang on Thursday for a violation of possessing tobacco at school.  Neither has he explained his statement several days earlier to a friend that “Klang will not make it through homecoming,” referring to the school’s homecoming festivities that were scheduled for this weekend.

Several things need to happen.

First, the investigation should focus on how Hainstock got possession of the weaponry.  Initially, it sounds as though the parents had taken reasonable precautions.  The shotgun was in a locked gun cabinet.  The revolver was in a locked bedroom (although I am still puzzled by just why the parents’ bedroom needed to be locked).  Were the parents culpable in anyway?  Did they know about the alleged "bullying?"  Had they spoken to school officials with any concerns?  Was this child a discipline problem with a history of rebellion or adversarial, oppositional behavior?

Second, the investigation needs to focus on the “friend” who was told by Hainstock that Principal Klang would “not make it through homecoming.”  Just how much did this student know and when did (she/he) know it?

Finally, the investigation should focus on the issue of "bullying" in the school.  Was Hainstock a victim of harassment or was he one of those royal pains in the posterior?  Had the school administration been made aware of the allegations?  What had been the reaction?

In either event, Hainstock, upon his conviction, should be remanded to a cell in the Wisconsin penal system.  There, he should be provided with a copy of a religious text of his choice: The Holy Bible, The Holy Koran, the Vedas, Buddhist texts, etc.  A daily newspaper of his choice should be provided.  No radio, television, Internet, magazines, etc., or other forms of communication or entertainment should be permitted.  Music should be limited to religious or symphonic orchestra selections.  His parents should be allowed monthly visits, but they should not be allowed to bring in any reading material.  Only the simplest of personal items should be permitted; however, if his parents wish to provide him smokeless tobacco for his addiction, that should be allowed.   He should be fed, clothed, and provided adequate medical care.  For 23 hours a day, he should sit in his cell.  One hour each day should be for exercise in an isolated yard or gym area.  Such should be his life for the remainder of his pitiable existence.

It is very sad.  Eric Hainstock looks as though he could be any fine young man...a son or grandson in who one could take pride.  Alas, he is now a murderer, and one who, it appears, premeditated his crime.  It is such a waste.  It is such a shame.