“Killer’s candles snuffed:” Who deserves to have a candle lit?

Two decades ago on April 20, 1999, a devastating mass shooting took place at Columbine High School in Littletown, Colorado. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire on their fellow classmates, killing twelve students, one teacher and injuring an estimate of over 20 others before they both took their own lives. In October that same year, Central students held an assembly to promote non-violence and intolerance. The plan was to light 12 candles for the students who were killed, but some argued that it should have been 14.

This shooting raises the question that was brought upon the students of Central and the students. Do we acknowledge all of those who suffered from violence and intolerance or not?

Junior Patrick Rehmeyer said, “All 14 [victims] should be recognized due to the fact that the two shooters suffered from some kind of mental illness, which isn’t exactly their fault.”

Others would disagree, those who commit crime don’t deserve the time of day.

“Don’t light their candles. They aren’t the victims and they shouldn’t be remembered,” sophomore Simon Coleman said.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune there has been 84 mass school shootings since 1999.

Among those 84 shootings, was the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary massacre. In Newtown, Connecticut, a shooter by the name of Adam Lanza entered the small elementary school of Sandy Hook and opened fire on the young students after killing his mother in the home they shared. He killed 20 first graders, six staff members and ultimately killed himself as authorities arrived.

Again people ask if we should recognize those who take their lives.

Despite popular belief, shooters can be victims too according to Psychology Today. People like Harris, Klebold and Lanza have backgrounds and personal lives that tend to be tragic and depressing.

Studies show that not only were their family lives tragic, but in public places like schools, where children should be safe and should enjoy themselves, shooters are often outcasted and disliked. That was not always the reason behind their violence though.

These gunmen are often diagnosed with mental illnesses as well, such as autism spectrum disorder, which the Sandy Hook shooter was said to have.

Don’t get the wrong idea though. Sometimes mental illnesses and life experiences aren't linked with why some resort to violence. For those reasons, the mental suffering of the mentally ill, and the lack of help they receive, do they deserve to be recognized?