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November 11, 2002
Oklahoma Shooter
Oklahoma Shooter Update
This morning's Dem-Zette reports that the kid over in Sallisaw that went on a shooting rampage was under the influence of cold medicine.Sallisaw Police Chief Gary Philpot said the investigation indicates Fears was hallucinating after taking an over-the-counter cold medicine.
Fears was known to have taken as many as 30 of these tablets at once, Philpot said, and even wrote a letter to a friend indicating the side effects.
There were other warning signs that something was seriously wrong with this kid, including incidents of animal cruelty, which should've been a huge red flag.
" I saw him pick up a bird one time and twist its head off like it was nothing, "the 17-year-old Sallisaw resident [a neighbor of Fears] added." He didn’t have trouble killing animals.
There are still signs that this kid has serious problems.
" He seems completely normal now, "Philpot added." He’s come off whatever he was on. He shows no remorse, no emotion. "
Perano said he understands. His friend has come tragically too far for that.
" Nothing matters anymore, "said Perano, who has not seen Fears in jail." He won’t tell anybody he’s sorry. There ain’t no forgiving now. "
'Scuse me, Sheriff, but, uh, that ain't completely normal for anyone, let alone a kid. The only questions now are can he be successfully treated, and if not, do you warehouse him for the rest of his life or not.
Posted by Rita at November 11, 2002 08:44 AM