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By John SankoDenver Rocky Mountain News Capitol Bureau
Gov. Bill Owens expressed disappointment Tuesday that a commission he created to review the Columbine High tragedy isn't getting all the information it wants. The commission, led by former Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice William Erickson, has run into roadblocks — the latest involving videotapes made by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. The tapes were made before the two teens gunned down 12 fellow students and a teacher and then killed themselves. Erickson said the Jefferson County attorney's office has refused to give the tapes to the commission. Earlier in the year, Jefferson County Sheriff John Stone and other officers who were at the scene refused to testify on the advice of attorneys because of pending lawsuits. "I share Justice Erickson's frustration," Owens said. "Clearly, the tapes could be of tremendous help and importance. "I hope that Jefferson County will reconsider and hopefully at the very least allow the commission members to view the tapes before they finish their work." Media representatives and victims' families already have seen the videotapes, which include scenes of the two teens displaying weapons and bombs and boasting about their plans. Officials consistently have barred reproduction of the tapes. Despite the latest setback, Erickson said he still is optimistic the commission will get access to the tapes. "They (the tapes) are not critical, but they would be helpful," Erickson said. When he sought copies of the tapes from the Jefferson County attorney's office, he said he was turned down because of issues regarding ownership and copyright. Despite not having access to all the information that he would like, Erickson expressed confidence that the commission's report — which must be on the governor's desk by May — will be worthwhile. October 4, 2000
Gov. Bill Owens expressed disappointment Tuesday that a commission he created to review the Columbine High tragedy isn't getting all the information it wants.
The commission, led by former Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice William Erickson, has run into roadblocks — the latest involving videotapes made by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.
The tapes were made before the two teens gunned down 12 fellow students and a teacher and then killed themselves. Erickson said the Jefferson County attorney's office has refused to give the tapes to the commission.
Earlier in the year, Jefferson County Sheriff John Stone and other officers who were at the scene refused to testify on the advice of attorneys because of pending lawsuits.
"I share Justice Erickson's frustration," Owens said. "Clearly, the tapes could be of tremendous help and importance.
"I hope that Jefferson County will reconsider and hopefully at the very least allow the commission members to view the tapes before they finish their work."
Media representatives and victims' families already have seen the videotapes, which include scenes of the two teens displaying weapons and bombs and boasting about their plans.
Officials consistently have barred reproduction of the tapes.
Despite the latest setback, Erickson said he still is optimistic the commission will get access to the tapes.
"They (the tapes) are not critical, but they would be helpful," Erickson said.
When he sought copies of the tapes from the Jefferson County attorney's office, he said he was turned down because of issues regarding ownership and copyright.
Despite not having access to all the information that he would like, Erickson expressed confidence that the commission's report — which must be on the governor's desk by May — will be worthwhile.
October 4, 2000
