New Link Found in Columbine High School Shooting Case
DENVER (AP) — A recent development has shed new light on the tragic events of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The death of Anne Marie Hochhalter, a survivor who was left partially paralyzed by the attack, has been determined to be a homicide, increasing the death toll to 14. Anne Marie Hochhalter passed away on February 16 due to sepsis and complications from her paralysis, with her injuries being a significant factor in her death, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Initially, it was believed by Hochhalter’s family and friends that her death was a result of natural causes related to her injuries from the shooting, which claimed the lives of 12 students and a teacher, as well as the two student gunmen who took their own lives. Given the potential impact of her paralysis on her passing, the investigation was handed over to the authorities responsible for reviewing the deaths associated with the school shooting.
Despite enduring immense pain from her gunshot wounds over the years, Hochhalter remained resilient in her efforts to overcome the challenges stemming from her injuries and maintain a positive outlook, as attested by her loved ones. Known for her dedication to assisting others, particularly those with disabilities and her family, Hochhalter was also a devoted dog lover.
In a remarkable display of forgiveness, Hochhalter chose to extend her pardon to the mother of one of the shooters, Sue Klebold, expressing in a 2016 letter: “Bitterness is like swallowing a poison pill and expecting the other person to die. It only harms yourself. I have forgiven you and only wish you the best.” Tragically, Hochhalter experienced further loss when her mother, Carla Hochhalter, took her own life six months after the shooting.
Following her mother’s death, Hochhalter found solace in the support of another grieving family from the Columbine tragedy, the Townsends, who had lost their daughter, Lauren. Sue Townsend, Lauren’s stepmother, reached out to Hochhalter as a way of coping with her own sorrow, eventually forming a close bond that led to Hochhalter becoming an integral part of their family.
Despite her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, Hochhalter attended a vigil commemorating the 25th anniversary of the shooting, reflecting on her journey to heal and emphasizing the importance of celebrating the lives lost in the tragedy rather than focusing solely on their deaths. She expressed gratitude for the happy memories of her childhood that resurfaced during the event, highlighting her progress in finding peace since the fateful day in 1999.
