The teenager accused of killing three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend has been identified as 16-year-old John J. Griffin, according to NBC News. The network attributed the identification to three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. Two of those officials said his mother purchased the gun used in the attack around his birthday in August.
That account adds a timeline to our earlier reporting on the firearm’s purchase, which cited The Associated Press. AP reported that the weapon was a pump-action shotgun bought by the teenager’s mother. The reported timing does not establish that it was a birthday gift, that she gave him access to it or that she knew of his plans.
For readers catching up, authorities said Thursday’s attack killed children ages 5, 8 and 11, along with a teacher. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalized in critical condition, and the shooter also died, according to The Associated Press. Those details followed the initial reports described in our previous coverage.
The new identification answers one question, but it does not explain why the school was attacked. NBC’s report about the purchase also leaves unresolved how the teenager obtained the firearm before entering the building. As investigators work through those questions, the families who lost loved ones and those waiting beside hospital beds remain at the center of Bend’s grief.
