Kipland Kinkel
School Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Springfield, Oregon
TIME PERIOD
May 21, 1998
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
On May 21, 1998, at approximately 7:55 a.m., 15-year-old Kipland Kinkel opened fire in the cafeteria of Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, using a semi-automatic rifle, resulting in the deaths of two classmates and injuries to 25 others. The day prior, Kinkel had murdered his parents at their home following a suspension from school for possessing a stolen handgun. Fellow students subdued him, leading to his arrest. Kinkel later pled guilty to four counts of murder and 26 counts of attempted murder, receiving a sentence of 111 years in prison without the possibility of parole, which has been upheld on appeal. He has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and is currently incarcerated at the Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem.
Kipland Kinkel's actions are believed to have stemmed from a combination of mental health issues and feelings of isolation, with some theorizing that his desire to provoke others into killing him was a cry for help. There is speculation that his prior suspension and the discovery of a stolen handgun contributed to his escalating desperation and violence. Additionally, discussions often revolve around the influence of violent media and the lack of intervention from adults in his life leading up to the tragic events.
The 1998 Thurston High School Shooting: A Tragic Tale
In the quiet town of Springfield, Oregon, nestled within the embrace of the Pacific Northwest, the morning of May 21, 1998, began like any other. Yet, it would soon unravel into a day marked by unspeakable tragedy at Thurston High School. At the center of this heartbreaking narrative was 15-year-old Kipland Kinkel, a freshman whose actions would forever alter the lives of many.
Prelude to Tragedy
The events leading up to that fateful day were rooted in a complex web of psychological distress and fascination with violence. Kipland Phillip Kinkel, born on August 30, 1982, was the second child of William and Faith Kinkel. Both parents were esteemed Spanish teachers, with Faith imparting her knowledge at Springfield High School and William, who had retired three years prior, having taught at Thurston High School and Lane Community College.
Despite the outward appearance of a loving and supportive family, darkness simmered beneath the surface. Unbeknownst to many, there was a history of serious mental illness on both sides of the family tree—a fact concealed by his parents. Kip himself was haunted by voices urging him toward violence, a secret he kept hidden from the world due to fear of ostracism and institutionalization.
Kinkel's fascination with weapons began at an early age, blossoming into a full-blown obsession by his teenage years. He constructed bombs, detonating them at a nearby quarry, and his father, William, eventually acquiesced to his son’s interests, enrolling him in gun safety courses and purchasing a Glock 19 handgun and a .22-caliber rifle. These purchases were reluctantly approved by his mother, following the psychologist's reassurance.
The Day Before: A Deadly Decision
On May 20, 1998, the day before the shooting, Kinkel's world began to unravel. He was suspended from school after a stolen, loaded Beretta Model 90 .32-caliber pistol was found in his locker. The weapon, stolen by a friend, had been purchased by Kinkel for $110. Upon discovery, Kinkel candidly admitted, "Look, I'm gonna be square with you guys; the gun's in my locker." This admission led to his suspension pending expulsion, and he was subsequently arrested.
His father, William, collected him from the police station, delivering a stern lecture about potential military school if his behavior did not improve. Kinkel later recounted how the voices in his head were so overwhelming at that moment that he couldn't even hear his father’s words.
The Murder of His Parents
Consumed by turmoil, Kinkel returned home. In a chilling confession, he later described how, at around 3 p.m., he retrieved his Ruger .22-caliber rifle and shot his father in the back of the head, dragging the body into the bathroom and covering it with a sheet. When his mother arrived home at 6:30 p.m., he met her in the garage, professed his love, and then shot her six times. Her body was covered with a sheet, a macabre echo of his earlier actions.
Throughout the night, Kinkel played "Liebestod," the haunting final aria from Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde, on repeat. This same piece was featured in the modern adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, a film he had been deeply enamored with.
The School Shooting
The following morning, Kinkel set his plan into motion. Donning a trench coat to conceal his cache of weapons—two hunting knives, his rifle, a 9×19mm Glock 19, and a .22-caliber Ruger MK II pistol—he drove his mother’s Ford Explorer to the high school. He parked a short distance from the school and entered the campus, where he began his deadly attack.
Walking into the cafeteria, Kinkel opened fire, fatally wounding 16-year-old Ben Walker and 17-year-old Mikael Nickolauson, and injuring 24 others. Amid the chaos of 51 rounds fired, students scrambled for cover, their lives forever changed in a matter of moments.
In a harrowing act of bravery, wounded student Jacob Ryker tackled Kinkel as he attempted to reload, aided by several others. During the struggle, Kinkel managed to fire his Glock, injuring Ryker once more. Despite his cries of "Just kill me!" the students subdued Kinkel until the police arrived.
Aftermath and Legacy
The aftermath of the shooting rocked the nation. Over 200 counselors descended on Springfield, offering their support, while the community rallied together, raising over $400,000 in aid. The tragedy spurred the creation of the Thurston Healing Fund and a scholarship in memory of the fallen students.
Kinkel pleaded guilty to four counts of murder and 26 counts of attempted murder, receiving a sentence of 111 years without the possibility of parole. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after the trial, he began medication while serving his sentence at the Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem.
In June 1998, President Bill Clinton addressed the community, emphasizing the collective trauma and urging the nation to heed the lessons of Springfield. A permanent memorial was later established at Thurston High School, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of a community forever changed.
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Murder of Parents
Kipland Kinkel kills his parents at home before the school shooting.
Thurston High School Shooting
Kipland Kinkel opens fire in the cafeteria, killing 2 and injuring 25.
Kinkel Arrested
Students subdue Kinkel after he attempts to reload his weapon; he is arrested.
Guilty Plea
Kipland Kinkel pleads guilty to murder and attempted murder.
Sentencing
Kinkel is sentenced to 111 years in prison without parole.
Transfer to State Prison
Kinkel is transferred from youth facility to Oregon State Correctional Institution.
Appeal Denied
Oregon Court of Appeals affirms Kinkel's conviction and sentence.
Continued Incarceration
Kipland Kinkel remains incarcerated, reflecting on his actions.
On May 21, 1998, at approximately 7:55 a.m., 15-year-old Kipland Kinkel opened fire in the cafeteria of Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, using a semi-automatic rifle, resulting in the deaths of two classmates and injuries to 25 others. The day prior, Kinkel had murdered his parents at their home following a suspension from school for possessing a stolen handgun. Fellow students subdued him, leading to his arrest. Kinkel later pled guilty to four counts of murder and 26 counts of attempted murder, receiving a sentence of 111 years in prison without the possibility of parole, which has been upheld on appeal. He has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and is currently incarcerated at the Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem.
Kipland Kinkel's actions are believed to have stemmed from a combination of mental health issues and feelings of isolation, with some theorizing that his desire to provoke others into killing him was a cry for help. There is speculation that his prior suspension and the discovery of a stolen handgun contributed to his escalating desperation and violence. Additionally, discussions often revolve around the influence of violent media and the lack of intervention from adults in his life leading up to the tragic events.
The 1998 Thurston High School Shooting: A Tragic Tale
In the quiet town of Springfield, Oregon, nestled within the embrace of the Pacific Northwest, the morning of May 21, 1998, began like any other. Yet, it would soon unravel into a day marked by unspeakable tragedy at Thurston High School. At the center of this heartbreaking narrative was 15-year-old Kipland Kinkel, a freshman whose actions would forever alter the lives of many.
Prelude to Tragedy
The events leading up to that fateful day were rooted in a complex web of psychological distress and fascination with violence. Kipland Phillip Kinkel, born on August 30, 1982, was the second child of William and Faith Kinkel. Both parents were esteemed Spanish teachers, with Faith imparting her knowledge at Springfield High School and William, who had retired three years prior, having taught at Thurston High School and Lane Community College.
Despite the outward appearance of a loving and supportive family, darkness simmered beneath the surface. Unbeknownst to many, there was a history of serious mental illness on both sides of the family tree—a fact concealed by his parents. Kip himself was haunted by voices urging him toward violence, a secret he kept hidden from the world due to fear of ostracism and institutionalization.
Kinkel's fascination with weapons began at an early age, blossoming into a full-blown obsession by his teenage years. He constructed bombs, detonating them at a nearby quarry, and his father, William, eventually acquiesced to his son’s interests, enrolling him in gun safety courses and purchasing a Glock 19 handgun and a .22-caliber rifle. These purchases were reluctantly approved by his mother, following the psychologist's reassurance.
The Day Before: A Deadly Decision
On May 20, 1998, the day before the shooting, Kinkel's world began to unravel. He was suspended from school after a stolen, loaded Beretta Model 90 .32-caliber pistol was found in his locker. The weapon, stolen by a friend, had been purchased by Kinkel for $110. Upon discovery, Kinkel candidly admitted, "Look, I'm gonna be square with you guys; the gun's in my locker." This admission led to his suspension pending expulsion, and he was subsequently arrested.
His father, William, collected him from the police station, delivering a stern lecture about potential military school if his behavior did not improve. Kinkel later recounted how the voices in his head were so overwhelming at that moment that he couldn't even hear his father’s words.
The Murder of His Parents
Consumed by turmoil, Kinkel returned home. In a chilling confession, he later described how, at around 3 p.m., he retrieved his Ruger .22-caliber rifle and shot his father in the back of the head, dragging the body into the bathroom and covering it with a sheet. When his mother arrived home at 6:30 p.m., he met her in the garage, professed his love, and then shot her six times. Her body was covered with a sheet, a macabre echo of his earlier actions.
Throughout the night, Kinkel played "Liebestod," the haunting final aria from Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde, on repeat. This same piece was featured in the modern adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, a film he had been deeply enamored with.
The School Shooting
The following morning, Kinkel set his plan into motion. Donning a trench coat to conceal his cache of weapons—two hunting knives, his rifle, a 9×19mm Glock 19, and a .22-caliber Ruger MK II pistol—he drove his mother’s Ford Explorer to the high school. He parked a short distance from the school and entered the campus, where he began his deadly attack.
Walking into the cafeteria, Kinkel opened fire, fatally wounding 16-year-old Ben Walker and 17-year-old Mikael Nickolauson, and injuring 24 others. Amid the chaos of 51 rounds fired, students scrambled for cover, their lives forever changed in a matter of moments.
In a harrowing act of bravery, wounded student Jacob Ryker tackled Kinkel as he attempted to reload, aided by several others. During the struggle, Kinkel managed to fire his Glock, injuring Ryker once more. Despite his cries of "Just kill me!" the students subdued Kinkel until the police arrived.
Aftermath and Legacy
The aftermath of the shooting rocked the nation. Over 200 counselors descended on Springfield, offering their support, while the community rallied together, raising over $400,000 in aid. The tragedy spurred the creation of the Thurston Healing Fund and a scholarship in memory of the fallen students.
Kinkel pleaded guilty to four counts of murder and 26 counts of attempted murder, receiving a sentence of 111 years without the possibility of parole. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after the trial, he began medication while serving his sentence at the Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem.
In June 1998, President Bill Clinton addressed the community, emphasizing the collective trauma and urging the nation to heed the lessons of Springfield. A permanent memorial was later established at Thurston High School, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of a community forever changed.
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...
Murder of Parents
Kipland Kinkel kills his parents at home before the school shooting.
Thurston High School Shooting
Kipland Kinkel opens fire in the cafeteria, killing 2 and injuring 25.
Kinkel Arrested
Students subdue Kinkel after he attempts to reload his weapon; he is arrested.
Guilty Plea
Kipland Kinkel pleads guilty to murder and attempted murder.
Sentencing
Kinkel is sentenced to 111 years in prison without parole.
Transfer to State Prison
Kinkel is transferred from youth facility to Oregon State Correctional Institution.
Appeal Denied
Oregon Court of Appeals affirms Kinkel's conviction and sentence.
Continued Incarceration
Kipland Kinkel remains incarcerated, reflecting on his actions.