Investigators are focusing on the internet history and past of the 14-year-old suspect in the Georgia school shooting, according to an expert.

An expert in law enforcement discussed the significance of the internet search history of the Apalachee High School shooter.

Investigators are focusing on the internet history and past of the 14-year-old suspect in the Georgia school shooting, according to an expert.
Investigators are focusing on the internet history and past of the 14-year-old suspect in the Georgia school shooting, according to an expert.

Following the tragic mass shooting at a small Georgia high school that left two students and two teachers dead and wounded nine others on Wednesday, a law enforcement expert provided insights.

The investigation into the 14-year-old suspect is focusing on their past and motive, according to Matthew Fagiana, a retired police sergeant and law enforcement consultant.

The suspect's past, including their interactions with victims, any indications of violent behavior, statements or social media posts that could help develop a motive, and recent internet history, were discussed by the suspect.

He added, "That, of course, only scratches the surface of the investigation."

A law enforcement officer works near the scene of a shooting at Apalachee High School
A law enforcement officer works near the scene of a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Sept. 4, 2024. (REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage)

The FBI's Atlanta field office and Jackson County Sheriff's Office are currently investigating the incident at Apalachee High School by examining the scene to gather information about the suspect's movements within the school.

"The crime scene at the school is likely to be extensive, necessitating a thorough examination and collection of evidence, such as tracking down spent casings and mapping out the suspect's movements. The scene will be reconstructed to provide an accurate depiction of the suspect's entry and trajectory during the shooting."

The 14-year-old suspect was arrested and is expected to be charged with murder after the rampage.

"The suspect's interviews with investigators will be a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation, as it will provide insight into the "why" behind the mass killing. However, since many school shooters either kill themselves or are killed by law enforcement, it is often difficult to determine the "why" and can only be based on their history and any evidence left behind."

"When a suspect is arrested, law enforcement and experts aim to utilize his statements and evaluations as an opportunity to reduce the likelihood of similar events occurring in the future. Most individuals concur that individuals who perpetrate such crimes possess a psychological difference from the majority of us, who would never contemplate committing such actions."

Apalachee High School
Law enforcement arrive as students are evacuated to the football stadium after the school campus was placed on lockdown at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Fagiana emphasized the importance of the school resource officers (SRO) who apprehended the student, stating that they "preserved lives."

"Although we lack complete information about the response, it's reasonable to assume that the SRO's arrest of the suspect would have saved more lives. SROs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of students and teachers in America. They are a vital component of our efforts to prevent school shootings."

Students and staff gather next to the football field after law enforcement officers responded to a fatal shooting at Apalachee High School
Students and staff gather next to the football field after law enforcement officers responded to a fatal shooting at Apalachee High School in a still image from aerial video in Winder, Georgia, on Sept. 4, 2024. (ABC Affiliate WSB via REUTERS)

He recognized the significance of striking a balance between respecting the victim's families and updating the community.

Fagiana emphasized that supporting the families of the victims is of utmost importance. "They are going through a difficult time and require answers. Law enforcement will continue to prioritize their needs in the coming days," he stated.

The primary objective of law enforcement in communication at this stage is to inform and listen to the people in their community who are directly affected by the situation. Additionally, they aim to inform the media and the communities around the world that are observing.

"Law enforcement will strive to strike a balance between disclosing information and safeguarding the investigation's integrity," he stated. "The accused person's objective is to ensure that any public information they release does not jeopardize the successful prosecution of this suspect."

Neither the FBI nor the Jackson County Sheriff's Office provided a comment when Planet Chronicle Digital reached out for information.

by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten

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