Casey Jordan Marquez
School Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Aztec, New Mexico
TIME PERIOD
December 7, 2017
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
On December 7, 2017, a shooting incident occurred at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including the perpetrator, William Atchison, a 21-year-old former student. Atchison entered the school disguised as a student, concealed himself in a restroom, and opened fire upon being discovered by student Francisco Fernandez, whom he shot and killed, followed by another student in the hallway. He attempted to breach a classroom but was thwarted by a teacher who barricaded the door, after which Atchison took his own life. The investigation revealed that Atchison had a history of troubling online behavior and had previously been investigated by the FBI for threats of mass violence, although the motive for the shooting remains disputed, with theories ranging from far-right extremism to personal issues. Currently, the case has led to civil lawsuits against law enforcement and school officials, with the lawsuit against the FBI being dismissed.
William Atchison's online presence on neo-Nazi and white nationalist websites has led to speculation that his motivations for the shooting were rooted in extremist ideologies. Investigators have also noted that Atchison was previously investigated by the FBI for threats of mass violence, raising questions about the adequacy of mental health interventions and law enforcement responses in preventing such incidents. Some believe that the shooting could have been a manifestation of deeper societal issues related to radicalization and the accessibility of firearms.
The 2017 Aztec High School Tragedy
In the small town of Aztec, New Mexico, nestled within the vast expanse of the San Juan Basin, a calamitous event unfolded on December 7, 2017. It was a typical school day at Aztec High School, where students and staff went about their routines, blissfully unaware of the horror that was about to befall them. At 8:04 a.m., the tranquility was shattered by the actions of William Atchison, a 21-year-old former student with a dark past and an even darker plan.
The Setting: Aztec, New Mexico
Aztec, a quaint town in San Juan County, is characterized by its proximity to the Navajo Nation and its rich deposits of petroleum and natural gas. Roughly three hours north of Albuquerque, the town boasted a population of approximately 6,500 in 2017. Aztec High School, part of this tight-knit community, enrolled about 900 students, with a diverse student body comprising 26% Hispanic and nearly 20% Native American students.
The Perpetrator: William Atchison
William Edward "Bill" Atchison was born on March 18, 1996, and his early life was marked by loneliness and conflict. Having moved to Aztec from Belen, New Mexico, he attended Aztec High School, where he was allegedly bullied. An incident during a welding class left him with a stab wound to the chest. His behavior often raised concerns; a neighbor reported him twice to the Aztec police, once for shooting an airsoft pellet gun at dogs and another time for threatening her husband over a cannabis-related dispute. The neighbor's sons were forbidden from playing with Atchison, who was described as a solitary figure.
In March 2012, Atchison's fascination with violence became evident when he was suspended for writing a timeline of the Columbine High School massacre on a classroom whiteboard. This incident was not reported to the school's resource officer. Despite attending counseling sessions for years, he abruptly stopped after seeing a new counselor twice and eventually dropped out of school in August 2012. Post-dropout, he found employment at a local gas station.
A Dark Online World
Atchison's online presence was prolific and disturbing. He frequented neo-Nazi and white supremacist websites, adopting usernames like "Future Mass Shooter" and others styled after notorious mass murderers. As a sysop of the controversial site Encyclopedia Dramatica, he was known by the moniker "AlGore," engaging in extremist dialogues and even discussing mass murder ideation. His father noted his troubling online habits, expressing concern over the influence of neo-Nazi content.
His online activities extended to disturbing communications, including interactions with David Sonboly, the perpetrator of the 2016 Munich shooting. The two shared a Steam chat group dubbed the "Anti-Refugee Club," characterized by satire and violent fantasies directed at non-Aryans, people of color, and other marginalized groups. The group idolized mass murderers and discussed weapons and video games like Counter-Strike, ultimately disbanding in September 2017.
The FBI Investigation
In March 2016, the FBI investigated Atchison after he posted about his intent to acquire weapons for a mass shooting. Traced to his brother's computer, Atchison convinced agents that his threats were mere "trolling." Despite acknowledging his fascination with school shooters and guns, he assured them of his harmlessness. The investigation closed after determining he possessed no firearms beyond an airsoft gun.
A miscommunication led Aztec police to mistakenly focus on Atchison's brother, failing to alert the school district or the school resource officer about the potential threat.
The Planning
In November 2017, Atchison legally purchased a Glock 19 Gen 4 9mm pistol from Sportsman's Warehouse in Farmington, accompanied by his father. Despite his father's jesting warning to avoid school shootings, Atchison harbored sinister intentions. He conducted surveillance at Aztec High, guided by a teacher, and simulated practice runs of the attack using a video game. A chilling timeline found in his home ended with "8[a.m.] Die," revealing his meticulously crafted plan.
The Day of the Shooting
On that fateful December morning, Atchison entered Aztec High School disguised as a student, armed with his Glock and several magazines. He made his way to a second-floor bathroom to prepare, but was unexpectedly interrupted by student Francisco Fernandez, whom he shot and killed. Atchison then exited into the hallway, where he encountered and gunned down Casey Marquez. Both victims, aged 17, were student-athletes cherished by their peers.
Atchison continued his rampage, firing into classrooms and reloading several times. The school custodian, Thomas "Emery" Hill, bravely pursued him, alerting others to the active shooter. Substitute teacher Katie Potter, lacking keys to secure her classroom, heroically barricaded her students in a computer lab office, blocking Atchison's entry. Thwarted, he fired into the room through the wall but hit no one.
Atchison's deadly spree concluded at 8:16 a.m. when he took his own life with a shot to the head. The prompt arrival of law enforcement within a minute of the first call prevented further tragedy. The school remained in lockdown as police secured the premises and guided students to safety, ultimately reuniting them with anxious families at McGee Park. Other local schools were also placed under lockdown as a precaution.
The Aftermath
The senseless loss of Casey Marquez and Francisco Fernandez left an indelible scar on the Aztec community. The motive for Atchison's actions remains a subject of dispute. The Southern Poverty Law Center attributed the shooting to far-right extremism and incel ideology, while the sheriff's office suggested personal problems and a desire for notoriety motivated the attack. Legal repercussions ensued, including a lawsuit filed by a victim's mother against the FBI, Aztec police, and the school district, though the suit against the FBI was dismissed. Criticism was also directed at German authorities for overlooking Atchison's ties to the Munich shooter.
In response to the tragedy, New Mexico allocated additional funding to enhance school safety, aiming to prevent future horrors from taking root in its educational institutions.
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FBI Investigation Initiated
William Atchison is investigated by the FBI for threatening to commit a mass shooting.
Gun Purchase
Atchison legally purchases a Glock 19 Gen4 pistol, which he later uses in the shooting.
School Shooting Occurs
Atchison enters Aztec High School, kills two students, and then takes his own life.
Community Vigil
A candlelight vigil is held for the victims, drawing community support and media attention.
Investigation Concludes
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office completes its investigation, concluding Atchison acted alone.
Lawsuit Filed
The family of victim Casey Marquez files a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district and police.
FBI Lawsuit Dismissed
The lawsuit against the FBI by Marquez's family is dismissed, citing agency immunity.
School Safety Funding
New Mexico legislators authorize additional funding for school safety measures in response to the shooting.
On December 7, 2017, a shooting incident occurred at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including the perpetrator, William Atchison, a 21-year-old former student. Atchison entered the school disguised as a student, concealed himself in a restroom, and opened fire upon being discovered by student Francisco Fernandez, whom he shot and killed, followed by another student in the hallway. He attempted to breach a classroom but was thwarted by a teacher who barricaded the door, after which Atchison took his own life. The investigation revealed that Atchison had a history of troubling online behavior and had previously been investigated by the FBI for threats of mass violence, although the motive for the shooting remains disputed, with theories ranging from far-right extremism to personal issues. Currently, the case has led to civil lawsuits against law enforcement and school officials, with the lawsuit against the FBI being dismissed.
William Atchison's online presence on neo-Nazi and white nationalist websites has led to speculation that his motivations for the shooting were rooted in extremist ideologies. Investigators have also noted that Atchison was previously investigated by the FBI for threats of mass violence, raising questions about the adequacy of mental health interventions and law enforcement responses in preventing such incidents. Some believe that the shooting could have been a manifestation of deeper societal issues related to radicalization and the accessibility of firearms.
The 2017 Aztec High School Tragedy
In the small town of Aztec, New Mexico, nestled within the vast expanse of the San Juan Basin, a calamitous event unfolded on December 7, 2017. It was a typical school day at Aztec High School, where students and staff went about their routines, blissfully unaware of the horror that was about to befall them. At 8:04 a.m., the tranquility was shattered by the actions of William Atchison, a 21-year-old former student with a dark past and an even darker plan.
The Setting: Aztec, New Mexico
Aztec, a quaint town in San Juan County, is characterized by its proximity to the Navajo Nation and its rich deposits of petroleum and natural gas. Roughly three hours north of Albuquerque, the town boasted a population of approximately 6,500 in 2017. Aztec High School, part of this tight-knit community, enrolled about 900 students, with a diverse student body comprising 26% Hispanic and nearly 20% Native American students.
The Perpetrator: William Atchison
William Edward "Bill" Atchison was born on March 18, 1996, and his early life was marked by loneliness and conflict. Having moved to Aztec from Belen, New Mexico, he attended Aztec High School, where he was allegedly bullied. An incident during a welding class left him with a stab wound to the chest. His behavior often raised concerns; a neighbor reported him twice to the Aztec police, once for shooting an airsoft pellet gun at dogs and another time for threatening her husband over a cannabis-related dispute. The neighbor's sons were forbidden from playing with Atchison, who was described as a solitary figure.
In March 2012, Atchison's fascination with violence became evident when he was suspended for writing a timeline of the Columbine High School massacre on a classroom whiteboard. This incident was not reported to the school's resource officer. Despite attending counseling sessions for years, he abruptly stopped after seeing a new counselor twice and eventually dropped out of school in August 2012. Post-dropout, he found employment at a local gas station.
A Dark Online World
Atchison's online presence was prolific and disturbing. He frequented neo-Nazi and white supremacist websites, adopting usernames like "Future Mass Shooter" and others styled after notorious mass murderers. As a sysop of the controversial site Encyclopedia Dramatica, he was known by the moniker "AlGore," engaging in extremist dialogues and even discussing mass murder ideation. His father noted his troubling online habits, expressing concern over the influence of neo-Nazi content.
His online activities extended to disturbing communications, including interactions with David Sonboly, the perpetrator of the 2016 Munich shooting. The two shared a Steam chat group dubbed the "Anti-Refugee Club," characterized by satire and violent fantasies directed at non-Aryans, people of color, and other marginalized groups. The group idolized mass murderers and discussed weapons and video games like Counter-Strike, ultimately disbanding in September 2017.
The FBI Investigation
In March 2016, the FBI investigated Atchison after he posted about his intent to acquire weapons for a mass shooting. Traced to his brother's computer, Atchison convinced agents that his threats were mere "trolling." Despite acknowledging his fascination with school shooters and guns, he assured them of his harmlessness. The investigation closed after determining he possessed no firearms beyond an airsoft gun.
A miscommunication led Aztec police to mistakenly focus on Atchison's brother, failing to alert the school district or the school resource officer about the potential threat.
The Planning
In November 2017, Atchison legally purchased a Glock 19 Gen 4 9mm pistol from Sportsman's Warehouse in Farmington, accompanied by his father. Despite his father's jesting warning to avoid school shootings, Atchison harbored sinister intentions. He conducted surveillance at Aztec High, guided by a teacher, and simulated practice runs of the attack using a video game. A chilling timeline found in his home ended with "8[a.m.] Die," revealing his meticulously crafted plan.
The Day of the Shooting
On that fateful December morning, Atchison entered Aztec High School disguised as a student, armed with his Glock and several magazines. He made his way to a second-floor bathroom to prepare, but was unexpectedly interrupted by student Francisco Fernandez, whom he shot and killed. Atchison then exited into the hallway, where he encountered and gunned down Casey Marquez. Both victims, aged 17, were student-athletes cherished by their peers.
Atchison continued his rampage, firing into classrooms and reloading several times. The school custodian, Thomas "Emery" Hill, bravely pursued him, alerting others to the active shooter. Substitute teacher Katie Potter, lacking keys to secure her classroom, heroically barricaded her students in a computer lab office, blocking Atchison's entry. Thwarted, he fired into the room through the wall but hit no one.
Atchison's deadly spree concluded at 8:16 a.m. when he took his own life with a shot to the head. The prompt arrival of law enforcement within a minute of the first call prevented further tragedy. The school remained in lockdown as police secured the premises and guided students to safety, ultimately reuniting them with anxious families at McGee Park. Other local schools were also placed under lockdown as a precaution.
The Aftermath
The senseless loss of Casey Marquez and Francisco Fernandez left an indelible scar on the Aztec community. The motive for Atchison's actions remains a subject of dispute. The Southern Poverty Law Center attributed the shooting to far-right extremism and incel ideology, while the sheriff's office suggested personal problems and a desire for notoriety motivated the attack. Legal repercussions ensued, including a lawsuit filed by a victim's mother against the FBI, Aztec police, and the school district, though the suit against the FBI was dismissed. Criticism was also directed at German authorities for overlooking Atchison's ties to the Munich shooter.
In response to the tragedy, New Mexico allocated additional funding to enhance school safety, aiming to prevent future horrors from taking root in its educational institutions.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
FBI Investigation Initiated
William Atchison is investigated by the FBI for threatening to commit a mass shooting.
Gun Purchase
Atchison legally purchases a Glock 19 Gen4 pistol, which he later uses in the shooting.
School Shooting Occurs
Atchison enters Aztec High School, kills two students, and then takes his own life.
Community Vigil
A candlelight vigil is held for the victims, drawing community support and media attention.
Investigation Concludes
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office completes its investigation, concluding Atchison acted alone.
Lawsuit Filed
The family of victim Casey Marquez files a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district and police.
FBI Lawsuit Dismissed
The lawsuit against the FBI by Marquez's family is dismissed, citing agency immunity.
School Safety Funding
New Mexico legislators authorize additional funding for school safety measures in response to the shooting.