Nashville, Tennessee – A Tennessee judge is currently deliberating the release of a school shooter’s writings as public records after the investigation concludes. An interesting twist to the case arises as the parents of children at Covenant School claim legal ownership of the shooter’s writings and hold the copyright.
During a two-day hearing in Davidson County Chancery Court, eight attorneys debated the interplay of federal copyright protections and the Tennessee Public Records Act. The judge, I’Ashea Myles, expressed a need for more clarity on the matter before making a final decision on the release of the writings.
The police have collected the writings as part of their investigation into the tragic shooting at Covenant School on March 27, 2023. However, the release of the writings is on hold until the investigation is complete. Numerous parties, including news outlets, argue that the writings should be made public, insisting that the ongoing investigation is merely a formality.
Amidst the legal battle, attorneys representing the Covenant parents, school, and church argue that the writings fall under a Tennessee law protecting the privacy of school security-related information. They warn that releasing the writings could potentially inspire copycat acts, posing a threat to Covenant’s security.
The parents’ attorney, Eric Osborne, emphasizes that the children of Covenant School are victims with a right to be free from harm. Osborne contends that making the writings public could not only harm the children but also violate their legal rights.
Despite emotional appeals, Judge Myles remains focused on interpreting the law as written, setting aside personal sentiments. The decision on whether to release the writings is a complex one, balancing privacy rights, copyright issues, and potential security risks. As the case unfolds, it remains a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded at Covenant School.