2. Before and After Massacre, Puzzles Line Suspect’s Path

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/22/us/pain-and-puzzles-in-wake-of-deadly-colorado-attack.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=mv

Jack Healy and Serge F. Kovaleski write in the "New York Times" about the killing spree in Aurora, Colorado. The authors start out by saying that the killer's apartment was booby trapped "to kill anyone who entered while pursuing his trail." James Eagen Holmes was a "shy and awkward [24 year-old] boy who seemed bound for big things." He graduated from the University of California and moved to Colorado for his doctoral program in neuroscience. Healy and Kovaleski move on describing his activities and stating many quotes from his neighbors regarding his behavior. He was always seen alone, however seemed to look for friendship online and neighbors said he sometimes listened to very loud music with newspaper covering the windows. When his academic plans failed, he began receiving large deliveries and bought several weapons from local shops. On the morning of July, 20th he walked into a movie theater screening the latest Batman movie and killed 12 people and injured more than 50 others. The authors state many quotes from classmates and teachers about his behavior and finish off describing how the police were able to take care of the traps in his apartment to look for clues as to what were the causes for his actions.

The authors' purpose in this article is not only to inform the reader about the shooting in Aurora, but to provide information about both the shooter, James Eagen Holmes, and the police department's investigation regarding the incident. The authors use many words which accurately describe what they are trying to inform and give many details allowing the reader to picture the scenes. At one point the authors seemed to use the repetition of the word "alone" to emphasize the idea of James Eagen's solitude. The usage of many quotes from other people add credibility to the information presented and at the same time making the ideas easier to grasp. This article is well written and effective to inform the reader about the Aurora shooting.