‘Something must have snapped’

Posted: Monday, October 08, 2007 4:03 PM

By Kevin Tibbles, NBC News Correspondent

It was supposed to be a fun time, at least that what Homecomings are all about isn't it? But in little Crandon, Wisconsin, where the population doesn't even top 2,000, the fallout from a Homecoming tragedy has left this community silent and confused.

The leaves are changing and there are pumpkins on porches, but today this town mourns the loss of seven of its own. It’s seven, because once off-duty deputy sheriff Tyler Peterson had finished murdering his ex-girlfriend and her friends, he was felled by a police sniper.

Peterson had gone to the party, according to residents, and was asked to leave. He returned a short time later with a rifle. Police say he fired 30 shots, taking the lives of three high school students and three recent grads.

Today investigators are combing through the old white farmhouse where this nightmare took place. They are taking fingerprints, and circling bullet holes just like they do on big city crime shows.

Tyler Peterson had only been with the Forest County sheriff's department a year, and the town's prosecutor says he came through the course with flying colors.

But that was then. His friends say "something must have snapped." In a town where everyone knows both the victims and the perpetrator, it may never be the same.

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Comments

I agree something snapped, but I also dont agree with 20 year old full fledge officers. Im not saying they are incompetent, but the age of 20 is just leaving prebubecense. Its a confusing time still sorting out emotions. I remember that time in my life and 'first loves' and 'hard breakups' are very rampant. Im not saying I would shoot up a place, but anyone that age should not have firearms when your hormones are left unchecked.

Jay Fos, Elgin IL (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 4:34 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with both the families of the victims and the families of the killer. As a mother how can you try to understand what makes someone do something so vicious. It must be very hard living in a small town and having people look down on you and your child.

Jeannette, San Angelo, TX (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 4:46 PM)

I grew up 20 minutes from Crandon in an even smaller town, Three Lakes, and I am in absolute shock that something like this has happened where everyone grew up feeling safe. Not locking doors, leaving your car running when you ran quickly into the store. A place where kids played in the street and never had to worry about "those big city" problems. After this incident, I don't think the beautiful northwoods where I grew up will ever be the same.

Alissa, Reno, Nv (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 5:00 PM)

It just goes to show no matter what their color their race or religion or job title everyone has there own little world up there. Some can handle life others can not., It's very sad....My heart goes out to all the family and friend's of the victim's and prepetrator family.

Stela -okeechobee,fl (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 5:27 PM)

Wow... this is just senseless killing. I can't believe a 20-yr-old boy (and I say that not in a derrogatory way, but moreso in a realistic social state of maturity) was given the title of deputy sheriff. At that age, males are usually a lot less mature and definitely a lot less responsible than their older colleagues. In any situation, this is an awful tragedy and my prayers are with all of the victims' families and loved ones.

Misha, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 5:34 PM)

I think this will be very hard for the parents of the killer, and i hope and pray that everyone in that town does not blame thme or hurt them for what their son has done. Maybe this was a sign that the sheriffs need to do more checking, and testing before they give someone a gun and a badge. I pray and hope this town can rebuild itself from within.

Amberly, ca (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 5:36 PM)

A close friend of mine is from Crandon and graduated with the gunman and some of the victims and he is currently serving in the U.S. Army. It is sad to think that a town so small as Crandon has lost so many in such a small period of time. My friend is coming home in November to have a going away party before he leaves with his unit to Iraq and now three of the guests that had already said they would be there will not get to come. As one of their own gets ready to go and fight in Iraq and know that there are such trageties like this at home is almost disheartening.

Lindsay, Schofield Barracks, HI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 5:51 PM)

I live near Crandon and work there often .Its a real close knit comunity With good down to earth residents .This is horrible . May all those who hurt so badly somehow find comfort . And pray for he who chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem .

Larry Rhinelander WI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 5:52 PM)

I am stunned , just as the others are, but I agree wth Jay-at 20 I had a very hard break up and it was hard for me to handle. I didn't take a gun and shoot anyone, but at times, I was angry enough, I probably could have done it. I also think 20 is too young to be a law enforcement officer, but small towns don't have much choice. I pray for the families of the victims and for the family of the young man who did this.

Sheree, Pottsville, Arkansas (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:05 PM)

My prayers are with all of Crandon, Wisconsin.

Laura R, Moline, IL (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:10 PM)

I feel terrible for the family and friends left to deal with the loss of so many. I feel extremely sorry for the young man's parents. I hope that the community will support them as they deal with guilt and questions. The parents are also victims as they try to find answers and feel guilty to grieve for their loss. May God be with all of you

Amy Indianapolis, In (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:11 PM)

Snapped, is exact word, and may this be a lesson for youth of today's generation, specialy an immature age in really-love angle. My hint is the big embarrassmnet in front of dear friends being kickout in group gatherings. Embarrassment by words is worst than being punched in the face, specialy infront of a woman you love. Immature as he is in handling this kind of emotion, triggers a revenge kind of thinking in a snapped and it's too late then once it's done. Most of this ( swearing) new generation age has no respect to other individuals feeling, may he be young or old. My condolence to the grieving families.

Emmanuel Abecia, British Columbia, Canada (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:16 PM)

Jealousy mixed with alcohol and maybe some job related depression or medications even. Who knows? Cops are just people like the rest of us and no system is going to predict or prevent something like this 100%. The person in this might not have been the type that shared his problems and as being drunk can make us do crazy things we would never do sober anyways especially if we get mad. All speculation or should I say an early guess. We'll find out in a week or two. My prayers go out for the families of them all. God Bless!

bepatient tampa fl (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:16 PM)

i live in eagle river, wi, 40 miles from crandon, and i must confess that what happended does not surprise me...Everyone around here knows Crandon as the "bad town" - outsiders are never welcome in this all-white/no minority town...people are not friendly, bar fights are common (town people against "outsiders"),etc...I know a lot of people who lived in Crandon and moved away because they could not tolerate the intolerance... The killer was born and raised in this intollerant community...the fact that he reacted the way he did to a simple break-up shows that Crandon is still the black ship of the northwoods...Word of advice to tourists: stay away from Crandon...stay out of trouble.

andrew (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:24 PM)

I believe the mistake is on the Law Enforcement made a big mistake when they had a 20 year old as a sheriff's deputy. Not even as a poloceman. They should raise the age to 25. What made him do what he did? He was a young man the had hidden anger and it would came out in when he was rejected. His anger would have come out if there was a dispute on a traffic ticket and no doubt he probably would shoot the motorist. There are lots of people in this world that have hidden anger and make you think they are so nice but when they don't get their way it comes out and they become dangerous like this young man.

Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:26 PM)

Prayers to all victims involved and their families plus Tyler and his family.

Diana Moore, Teague, Tx (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:33 PM)

Was the man taking any steroids?

jeff, spokane,wa (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:44 PM)

I agree with the poster above. 20 is too young for someone to have that much responsiblity as a law enforcement officer. There is no way to determine when the perfect age of maturity is ideal for this job , but i can say its not 20 . I think back to when i was 20, i was going into the marines, and I think of how immature I was even in boot camp. I mean, i took everything serious, but when i got out, i still felt the compulsiveness of making fast and rash decisions.

damon, martinsburg , wv, (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 6:50 PM)

I'm so sorry. This is tough...really really difficult. A lot of times there aren't clear answers to the questions we ask. So much of life does not make sense. It saddens me you are experiencing this. Just remember that your loved ones can be fully at peace without these questions answered, so don't ask for them. Because your loved ones are at peace, they would want you to move through grief and pain back to life, rather than staying in this place forever waiting for some sort of explanation. You did your jobs well. You raised great kids. Butterflies take several months to form and only live 2 weeks--length does not equal impact or value. Even though these lives have been shorter than expected, these lives were full lives, fulfilling purpose regardless of age. I understand questioning. 3 months ago I lost a son to cancer. He was so young and had only begun to live. But although his life was short, it was beautiful. I can't say I've stopped questioning, and my grief is not yet less, but the joy and the love I gained through his life will always be more than the grief gained through his loss. Bless you all.

Elizabeth, California (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:06 PM)

I thought in order to carry a handgun you had to be 21. I thought in order to become a law enforcement officer you ahd to be at least 21 years old.

Robyn, Burbank, CA (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:06 PM)

I agree with Jay, and I am an officer who was hired when he was 22 yoa. If the minimum stabndards are indeed 18, Madison must change that. With policing, comes some maturity/problem-solving issues, which obviously were problematic for the gunman. My thoughts go out to the victims, the gunmans family, and the brothers and sisters of the agencies the gunman worked for.

PJ (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:09 PM)

I agree with the gentleman's earlier response about the age of the deputy. A young man who is only 20 years old is, for the most part, still growing up. I know we allow 18 year olds to vote, to fight and die or be permanently disabled for our country and/or our interests abroad. I believe anyone given any type of power, whether voting, armed forces or law enforcement, the minimum age should be 21. With that issue aside, I want the parents, siblings, family members and friends of all of the victims and potential victims to know that they are in the prayers of most Americans who grieve with them. Until you lose a child of your own (which I have), you cannot begin to understand the pain and despair of those who are left with this terrible unfulfilled loss. My heart and prayers go out to each and over one. Peace.

Sherri M. (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:19 PM)

A 20 year old kid in uniform should be in learning law enforcement as a 'trainee' or even as a volunteer officer (or serving in the military with plenty of supervision and lots of rules and regulations) not enforcing laws that there is no way he could fully understand (ever heard of legalese?). Too many young people can get the 'God complex' with the gun and uniform, and no small town could properly supervise and control that kind of attitude. Kick up your standards and controls or expect it to happen again anywhere. Good luck to us all, and I offer my most sincere condolences to the town and all the families effected by this tragedy.

Tom MacPherson (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:23 PM)

THAT THIN BULE LINE, LETS SEE, HIGHEST DIVORCE RATE, HIGHEST DRUG AND ALCOHOL RATE, SUISIDE,HEARTATTACKS,NOW THIS AND YOUR SURPRIZED? NOT ME

MARK FLETCHER.CARMICHEAL CALIF (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:39 PM)

what can you say? How can you say? At this point there are no words to say! it is what it is..... Life and death is in the power of the tongue! I know my words bring no comfort to the 6 families, but maybe less should have been said before the shooting started. My prayers to all six families.

AngelPat (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:41 PM)

THAT THIN BULE LINE, LETS SEE, HIGHEST DIVORCE RATE, HIGHEST DRUG AND ALCOHOL RATE, SUISIDE,HEARTATTACKS,NOW THIS AND YOUR SURPRIZED? NOT ME

MARK FLETCHER.CARMICHEAL CALIF (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:44 PM)

AngelPat (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 7:44 PM)

When I was in 7th grade, an auxiliary police officer killed three woman who has testified against him at his divorce hearing and shot another one who survived. Then he shot himself and died on route to the hospital. My small town had a population of about 400. It was a horribly frightening thing. This was the early mid-80's, and the school wasn't locked down during the shooting.

It was just bad. Although it's vivid in my memory, the town moved past it.

My heart goes out to all of Crandon, WI

Tricia, PA (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 8:32 PM)

Twenty years old. It just seems too young to be a cop. I don't know, just don't know about this tragedy at all. Nothing is sacred anymore. Anything can happen in life, at anytime. It's just plain depressing. Can anyone just "snap" - me, you, anyone? Just don't know.

Logan, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 8:43 PM)

I grew up in Land O'Lakes, which is not far from Crandon and I also say that the Northwoods will never be the same after this tragic indident. I also think that Police Officers need to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before being issued fire arms!

Amy, Denmark, WI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 8:46 PM)

Regarding the comment made by Jay Fos "...I also dont agree with 20 year old full fledge officers...anyone that age should not have firearms when your hormones are left unchecked."
There are penty of people in every age range that have gone off the deep end, hurting and killing innocents they are meant to protect. Young men and women are not epidemic killers when given weapons as a livelyhood. If, at 18, a man or woman can die for their country-for you-they certainly have the right to any and all jobs you would find an elder suitable to hold. Hormones or not, they aren't a bunch of animals, they are full-fledged adults with every God-given right you have...and should have it without prejudice.
I am deeply sorry for the families that are grieving tonight. I can't imagine the anguish that they are dealing with and my heart goes out especially to the parents of young Mr. Peterson. Through no fault of their own, they will not be allowed to grieve the way they should. They carry the heartache of a parent who's lost a child AND the guilt and regret for having him as their son. It's truly tragic and I wish them healing.

Jana C, Seaside CA (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 9:02 PM)

Remember everyone,gun's dont kill people,people kill people. All the bleding heart liberal's will eat this up except this time it's a filthy cop!!!!!

Joe Lininger coeurd'alene Id, 83816 (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 9:35 PM)

My prayers are with the families of this tragedy. The chain of command at the Sheriff's office will have to look at their process of watching their young officers. A twenty year old young man may not be emotionally ready to handle the responsibility of this job without guidance and supervision of his superiors.

Craig Wussow Menasha WI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 9:47 PM)

I think you are very wrong Jay about the maturity of a 20 yr old. There are thousands of under 20 men and women in harms way right now making those life or death decisions on a daily basis. These men and women have access to firearms and even explosives. They are part of the United States Military--of which I am a proud veteran.

What should have happened was a battery of psychological exams should have been given geared to the weeding out of potential problems before employment. This was not done according to the report. I am speculating that as it was a hometown boy that everyone knew at least on sight and was known as a "good kid" that it was either overlooked or a budgetary problem

Chris Tarver, Pearl, MS (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:01 PM)

RESPECT TO OTHERS LIVES.
It is a matter of culture........not of age.
Every male, many female Swiss citizens keep at home or at easy reach, the weapon that if as, Soldier, in case of necessity, was trained to use.
Yes, full-auto, pistols, even granades, full uniforms, war paraphernalia, even winter and summer ammo.
AGE....17 TO 52 YEAR OLD.

cerrotampico, Laredo, TX (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:05 PM)

I lived in Crandon for quite a few years,my mom was born there and I have a son who lives there with his family.My prayers go out to the families of the victims,many with names that are familiar to me.Also lets not forget the Peterson family.They did nothing wrong.They to are suffering.You know,we raise our kids to be the best they can and when they leave home,all the decisions they make from that time on is their own.So don't blame the family.They need comfort also.

Betty Retzlaff ,Shawano,Wi (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:07 PM)

I find it interesting that people are saying they disagree with 20 yr olds becoming police officers while we send tons of 18 yr olds off to Iraq and Afghanistan. Am I missing something? Where's the outrage of allowing 18-20 yr olds fight in wars?

Stefanie, Austin, Texas (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:09 PM)

They should have done a mental exam before they give him a gun. If he can't deal with a breakup, jealousy, or even taunts then he surely didn't need to be a cop. I just read that he was called a "pig" by some of the guest. SO FREAKING WHAT! That is no reason to go on a shooting spree. I feel bad for the families of the victims. They were murdered by someone that should have been trusted member of the community. I still can't believe he was hired at 19. Yes, he may have been a nice guy but definately not stable.

Stephanie, Evansville, IN (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:12 PM)

My prayers go out to both of the families. But yu can't blame this on just one person. He was wrong in what he done but with the way young people are of today they don't care what they say or do to other people and their feelings. And if the called him a worthless pig what gave them the right to do that iam sure they wasn't brought up that way either but it happened and nobody can chage it now.

Martinsburg,wv 25405 (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:24 PM)

As a former Wisconsin resident my heart goes out to all of the victims. As to the shooter, it's not the age but the mindset and training of who qualifies as a deputy. My 20-year-old nephew is serving in the Army in Baghdad. He is mature and level-headed for his age and just was promoted to sergeant.

Toby, Fairfax, Va. (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:33 PM)

This is a tragic event and heart felt sympathy goes out to the families of all. Putting this into perspective; the killing that occurred was not because he was a twenty year old police officer. He was a person that was apparently pushed over the edge by affairs of the heart. If he had been a delivery person would we be dwelling on that occupation and analyizing his qualifications. Or perhaps if he was a medical intern. It was not the job that made him shoot. I am not defending him but I am defending everyother young officer that is dedicating their lives for the well being of others.

Gina, Wisconsin Rapids, WI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:33 PM)

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all of the victims, including the family and friends of the young man that commited this crime. We live in such a violent world any more where this happens any where any time. But remember this, it is our place to try to understand and not judge...that is left to God. The shooters family has lost someone they loved dearly also, leaving them victims along with those whom he killed. May God heal all and comfort everyone through such a trying time.

Cassie, Muskegon, MI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:42 PM)

QUESTION???????? FOR KEVIN TIBBLES!!!!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE OVER 300,000 TRAINED SOLDIERS (MERCENARIES) COME HOME MENTALLY UNSTABLE, AND SOMEONE DISRESPECTS THEM, AND MANY OF THEM ARE 18, 19 20, YEARS OLD MR JAY FOS.... I THINK THAT HIS IS JUST A UPCOMING PROBLEM THAT THIS COUNTRY IS GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH LATER BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO DO IT NOW.. EVERYONE IS CONCERNED ABOUT LINEING THEIR POCKETS. THIS PROBLEM IS ON THE RISE. WE ALL SHOULD START THINKING ABOUT IT A BIT.. HOW MANY SOLDIERS DO YOU THINK ARE GOING TO SNAP??? WHEN THEY COME HOME.... IF YOU THINK ABOUT ALL THE CRAP THAT THIS DEVIDED COUNTRY IS GOING THROUGH NOW, AND WHAT THE SOLDIERS GET TO COME HOME TO I'M SCARED! ohhh sorry for yelling.....

kenny reno nv (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:45 PM)

20 year old kids do not belong on a police force.
May God give comfort to the family's of both the victims and the killer.

Dave,Oak Creek,WI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 10:57 PM)

I agree as well...something must have snapped. I am not sure if a proper psychology screening would have detected a tendency for violence or not? Needless to say, it is a tragedy. Being a father myself, I am not sure what it is like to be going through the feelings of losing someone you love, especially a child. I don't know if I could ever forgive someone for hurting my child. My heart goes out to this town and to all the families that have been hurt.

Noah, Traverse City, MI (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 11:01 PM)

I feel sad for both the families of the victims and killer, but more so for the killer's. His family not only have to suffer the lost of the son but to bear the blame from others. I do hope and pray for all the neighbors will be supporting for each other, and for the killer's family too, they're not accountable for their son's wrong.

Imelda, Valparaiso, In (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 11:24 PM)

Terrible incident. Hope that the theme of too young to be officers carries over to those who think that the drinking age should be lowered.

Walter Oglesby (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 11:37 PM)

Awww, the poor poor baby officer was taunted. So the sniveling brat ran out and got his police issued AR-15 and killed all over words. Because of my own ethnic background (Italian) I've heard so many 'taunts' that now those words are just background noises. Some of my good friends who are African-American have gotten far worse taunts from regular folks as well as the police.

I agree that this 20 year old, did not have enough self control and it would have been spotted by the same exams armed FBI, CIA, DEA, DHS, etc... types are given before becoming full field operatives.

I've been to Crandon, for what used to be the 4x4 offroad racing events. Beautiful little town, whose folks we always found friendly. However, small towns like the one I grew up in (Franklin, CT) can still breed rats.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the folks who lost loved ones who did not need to die, because they spoke words someone else did not like to hear. Hate speech is one thing, but does anyone remember "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me", guess the Police need to go back to the 'old school'.

M Carboni, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, October 08, 2007 11:38 PM)

My heart goes out to the parents of the victims and the killer. It is so very hard to lose a child, especially under such tragic circumstances. Children are definitely a gift from God and should be able to outlive their parents. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. As to the parents of the killer, I hope you find out what went wrong to make him commit such a terrible act. As to the parents of the victims, hold tight to the memories. I for one will never forget this tragedy. May they rest in peace.

Julie Thomas, Florence, WI (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 12:06 AM)

My heart go's out to everyone in Crandon and my thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
I have to make the comment that our young people that are in law enforcement are more capeable than some people are giving them credit for. Back in the late 60's at the tender age of 19 I was sent to Vietnam and I and my fellow soldiers had to make life and death decisions more times than I want to remember. I feel the young people of today are better equipped mentaly and phsyicaly than we were back those dark days. Again, my thoughts and prayers will be with all the fine people of Crandon.

James Duszynski, Two Rivers, Wi (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 12:15 AM)

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