Feb 21, 2008 12:58 pm US/Central
Facebook Page Memorializing NIU Gunman Taken Down
Action Followed Reports By WBBM Newsradio 780
DE KALB, Ill. (CBS) ―
-
-
Former Northern Illinois University student Stephen Kazmierczak shot five people dead in a lecture hall at the DeKalb school before turning a gun on himself on Feb. 14.
CBS
Following reports by WBBM Newsradio 780, a Facebook page for people who knew Northern Illinois University killer Steven Kazmierczak has been taken down.
The name of the page was "Steve Kazmierczak was our friend, co-worker, classmmate; WHY?"
The description read: "support group for all those who knew sSeve and are having a hard time coping with his actions. Also a memorial for all those killed, wounded, or affected in any other way."
Sharaelle Arizmendi wrote on the Facebook page that Kazmierczak was the "sweetest… most caring guy in the entire world." She remarked that he would sometimes give her rides back to her apartment from the Sociology lab because he was concerned for her safety.
She wrote she's "tired of people judging him for his last action."
Another wrote,"Thank you for everything – your wisdom, guidance, and especially your friendship. I will remember nothing but the best things about you".
Kazmierczak's girlfriend Jessica Baty also posted on the Facebook site.
Two of the three posts were later removed.
One posted three days after the NIU massacre said she was still waiting for Kazmierczak's letter explaining why he did what he did and what he was feeling. Baty said the two were planning a life together.
Baty wrote on the Facebook site: "I didn't know he was planning this. I'm so sorry." She said she just needs to know why.
She also encouraged any of Kazmierczak's friends who might be contacted by the news media to turn down interview requests but, if they do talk, to only say good things about Kazmierczak, as she did in a CNN interview.
Another person wrote on the Steve Kazmierczak support group page asking if there are plans yet for a funeral or memorial service for him and that she'd like to attend.
Another wrote that she didn't know the NIU killer but that she prayed for peace for those who did.
One member of that Facebook group exchanged e-mails with WBBM Newsradio 780.
Elizabeth Kaplan wrote that the Steve Kazmierczak she knew was very social, optimistic, talkative and curious. They met when he was her tutor in the NIU sociology lab.
She said he would always wear the same sweater to work in the lab to hide the extensive tattoos on his arms.
Kaplan said Kazmierczak had mentioned problems with his parents and them not being able to deal with his behavior when he was younger and that he had lived in a group home.
She says she can make no sense of him opening fire on a lecture hall on February 14, killing five students in a packed geology lecture in Cole Hall.
Suesette Carre writes that she will miss Kazmierczak, calling him one of the nicest people she had ever known.
She added: "You were a great friend, helpful, intelligent and caring. I will always remember you this way."
Bernie Tafoya, WBBM Newsradio 780
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jewish Celebrities
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
