Search warrant targets Columbine killers' pals

By Kevin Vaughan
Denver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer

Investigators confiscated video game rental records Tuesday afternoon for two associates of Columbine High killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.

The records were taken by two detectives who served a search warrant on the owner of Video City, 11068 W. Jewell Ave.

Officials got the search warrant after the store's owner, John Heim, asked they provide one.

"We're more than happy to give them any information they want, we just don't want to be sued for it," Heim said.

The affidavit filed by investigators was sealed by a judge.

Heim said investigators showed him a list of names -- he would not disclose how many people were on it -- and that two of them had rented video games at his store. His rental records go back only 90 days, he said.

Heim said he refused to turn over the information without a search warrant because he was concerned about the implications of a 1988 law that protects the privacy of people who rent videotapes and games.

"All I know is that I'm not allowed to give anything out without a search warrant, and with one I have to," he said.

The search at Heim's storeTuesday afternoon came as the investigation in the April 20 assault on Columbine High stretched into its third week.

Investigators believe it's highly likely that Harris, 18, and Klebold, 17, had help in carrying out the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

Before they killed themselves, Harris and Klebold gunned down 12 students and a teacher and wounded 21 others.

Jefferson County sheriff's Deputy Steve Davis said detectives wanted the rental records to corroborate information provided by someone who has been cooperating in the investigation.

Investigators had initially gone to the video store on Monday seeking the records.

Heim said they asked about several people -- but not Harris and Klebold. They returned Tuesday with the search warrant.

"I gave them all the information they were looking for," Heim said.