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Journalism of Courage
Computer files, cell phone records and e-mails have yielded no evidence about what triggered Seung-Hui Cho’s massacre at Virginia Tech last week or whether he singled out any of his 32 victims.
State Police Superintendent Col W Steven Flaherty on Tuesday said authorities have found no evidence that could begin to explain the massacre that ended when Cho took his own life.
Authorities also have no link between the 23-year-old loner and his victims.
“We certainly don’t have any one motive that we are pursuing at this particular time, or that we have been able to pull together and formulate,” Flaherty said. “It’s frustrating because it’s so personal, because we see the families and see the communities suffering, and we see they want answers.”
Flaherty, who is overseeing the investigative team looking at the shootings, said police also have been unable to answer one of the case’s most vexing questions: Why the spree began at the West Ambler Johnston dorm, and why 18-year-old freshman Emily Hilscher was the first victim.
Police have searched Hilscher’s e-mails and phone records looking for a link. While Flaherty would not discuss exactly what police found, he said neither Cho’s nor Hilscher’s records have revealed a connection.
Flaherty cautioned that it could be months before the case is closed. The investigation will begin slowing down as authorities examine evidence, he said.
