The writings of the person who killed three 9-year-olds and three adults at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville last year cannot be released to the public, a judge ruled Thursday.

Chancery Court Judge I’Ashea Myles found that The Covenant School children and parents hold the copyright to any writings or other works created by shooter Audrey Hale, a former student who was killed by police. As part of the effort to keep the records closed, Hale’s parents transferred ownership of Hale’s property to the victims’ families, who then argued in court that they should be allowed to determine who has access to them.

Myles agreed, ruling that “the original writings, journals, art, photos and videos created by Hale” are subject to an exception to the Tennessee Public Records Act created by the federal Copyright Act.

The shooter left behind at least 20 journals, a suicide note and a memoir, according to court filings. When the records requests were denied, several parties sued, and the situation quickly ballooned into a messy mix of conspiracy theories, leaked documents, probate battles and accusations of ethical misconduct. Myles’ order will almost surely be appealed.

      • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
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        4 months ago

        You stated that knowing the school’s name would help you. The school’s name is public. Therefore your ‘want’ has been fulfilled.

        • beetlejuice0001@lemmy.zip
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          4 months ago

          I wanted to know why the shooting occurred at that particular school. Nothing has been done. Especially if there was anti-trans sentiment being used against the shooter daily. It being a Christian private school would fit the narrative. Totally speculative but a person who murders their bullies instead of just killing themselves is a more believable scenario

          • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
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            4 months ago

            Then pressure the police to complete their investigation and release the findings.

              • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
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                4 months ago

                They’re not suing. They filed a public records request with the cops.

                The ruling, filed just before midnight Thursday, comes more than a year after several groups filed public records requests for documents seized by Metro Nashville Police during their investigation into the March 2023 shooting.