‘I do it to please myself – I do it because I am sick’

Minneapolis police analyse gunman's macabre writings as father of eight-year-old victim said a 'coward' took son's life

- JUSTIN ROHRLICH

The day after a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic School that left two children dead and 18 people injured, including 15 other youngsters and three elderly parishioners, local residents were still trying to come to grips with the horrific event.

Mr White, 57, told The Independent that he often crossed paths with the suspect's dad and stepmother, and that the news of the horrific act caught him entirely by surprise.

The first named victim was eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel, whose father, Jesse, referred to the heroic actions of those inside the church and urged people to “please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life”.

In an emotional statement released a day after the mass shooting, Mr Merkel wrote: “Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming."

The second victim was identified as Harper Moyski. His parents described him as “a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old” who was “adored” by her younger sister.