NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Chancellor l’Ashea Myles is currently deliberating on whether the writings of the Covenant School shooter should be disclosed to the public. The decision stems from a request for public records that Metro denied, citing an ongoing criminal investigation under Rule 16.
While Metro Legal anticipates completing the investigation in July and potentially releasing a redacted version of the shooter’s journals, petitioners argue that the open criminal investigation exception should not be applicable since there is no imminent criminal action, only a potential one. They believe that the shooter’s writings may serve as a crucial tool in preventing future tragedies similar to the Covenant School shooting.
During the hearing, attorneys representing The Covenant School and The Covenant Church vehemently opposed the release of any information related to the shooting, asserting that the school security and safety exemption should encompass the entire investigative file. They maintain that the school security exemption should extend to all writings by the shooter, advocating for the prevention of any public disclosure.
Attorney Eric Osbourne, speaking on behalf of Covenant School parents, emphasized the significance of keeping the shooter’s documents sealed, arguing based on the School Safety Exception, Copyright Law, and Victim Rights Act. Osbourne highlighted the fact that those present at the court hearing, aside from the media, were either Covenant parents or individuals connected to victims who tragically lost their lives on March 27.
The fate of the shooter’s writings remains in limbo as Chancellor l’Ashea Myles has yet to reach a verdict in the case. Meanwhile, The Tennessee Star has initiated legal action against the FBI for access to the writings, resulting in a federal judge ordering the FBI to submit the writings for review to determine their potential release to the public.
As the deliberations continue, the community awaits Chancellor Myles’ decision on whether the Covenant shooter’s writings will be made public, with implications potentially shaping future actions and policies regarding school safety and public disclosure of sensitive information.