Police Grope for Answers in School Shooting

RED LION, Pa. — Investigators on Friday were trying to figure out why a 14-year-old with no apparent discipline problems shot his principal to death and then turned a gun on himself.

Red Lion Borough Police Chief Walt Hughes said he thought James R. Sheets had “issues” that police were trying to piece together, but also hinted that sometimes a prank can spiral out of control.

“We have found no list [of intended targets], and at this point we have no information that he planned to kill anyone upon arriving at school,” Hughes said.

Red Lion Area Junior High remained closed Friday, a day after the gunfire erupted in the cafeteria, where about 350 students had gathered before class.

Principal Eugene Segro, 51, died after he was hit in the chest with a shot from a .44-caliber magnum, county Coroner Barry Bloss said.

Sheets died of a single shot to the head from what police think was a .22-caliber weapon, Bloss said. Police said Sheets also had another gun with him but think he acted alone.

“All of a sudden, he just stands up and shoots the principal ... and then I saw him shoot himself in the head,” said Angel Williams, 14, who knew Sheets and was sitting nearby.

The guns Sheets used in the shootings belonged to his stepfather, police said. Sheets had used a key to remove them from a safe at his house, police said.

Officials did not know of any school or legal problems the boy was facing, and said his mother and stepfather had not seen any warning signs.

Police later searched the family’s home, seeking computer files, notebooks, weapons and other items, according to a search warrant. They removed a computer and numerous bags and boxes, officials said.