NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Tennessee judge is facing a complex legal battle over the release of a school shooter’s writings from the tragic Covenant School incident. The parents of children at the Covenant School have thrown a unique twist into the case by claiming legal ownership of the shooter’s writings, asserting copyright ownership. The case has sparked debate among eight attorneys before Davidson County Chancery Court Judge I’Ashea Myles, as they grappled with questions about copyright law and public record access.
The Nashville police argue that the shooter’s writings, collected during the investigation into the March 27, 2023 shooting that claimed the lives of three 9-year-old children and three adult staff members, should be public records. However, they emphasize that the writings cannot be released until the investigation is complete. Various groups, including news outlets, a gun-rights organization, and a law enforcement nonprofit, advocate for immediate release, claiming that the investigation is only a formality.
On the other side, attorneys representing the Covenant parents, school, and Presbyterian Church contend that the writings are protected under Tennessee law safeguarding school security information. They argue that releasing the writings could potentially inspire copycats and jeopardize Covenant’s safety. However, Judge Myles has expressed skepticism about such an interpretation, hinting at the complexity of the legal arguments presented before her.
Amidst the legal wrangling, the parents’ attorney, Eric Osborne, raised concerns about the potential harm to the children if the writings were made public, citing constitutional rights to be free from abuse, harassment, and intimidation. Judge Myles challenged this broad interpretation, highlighting the need to balance victims’ rights with legal considerations. The case raises significant questions about privacy, copyright, and victims’ rights in the aftermath of a tragedy like the Covenant School shooting.
As the legal battle unfolds, Judge Myles faces a daunting decision, torn between legal interpretation and emotional considerations. While her heart goes out to the victims, she remains committed to upholding the law as written by the legislature. The outcome of this case will not only impact the release of the shooter’s writings but also set a precedent for similar cases involving sensitive information and victims’ rights in the future.