AMISH COMMUNITY IN LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VICTIMS OF A TRULY HORRENDOUS TRAGEDY
NICKEL MINES/BART TOWNSHIP, LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 2, 2006
COMPLETE COVERAGE, OBITUARIES, CONDOLENCES
& NEW DONATION INFORMATION:
UPDATE – October 4, 2006 – 6:30 p.m. US Central Time
Prayers of comfort and healing are being said for five victims that remain hospitalized due to their injuries – three are in critical condition and two are in serious condition. The hospitalized girls range in age from 6 to 13-years-old. Prayers of comfort and strength are also being said for their families and friends, as well as prayers of wisdom and strength for all the medical personnel who are attending to these innocent children.
LancasterOnline.com which features the online publications of The Intelligencer Journal has comprehensive coverage of the Nickel Mines Tragedy. You can view their long list articles at the bottom of the latest article here: “Amish Mourn Victims of School Shooting“.
LancasterOnline has also published the Amish girls’ obituaries, and has created a way to provide a way for those who wish to do so to send condolences to the family using their online. Below are links to the individual obituaries and the condolence boards for the 5 victims of this horrible tragedy…
 OBITUARIES & CONDOLENCE BOOKS: |
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 Naomi Rose EbersolRead the Obituary ~ Sign the Book of Condolences ~ View the Book of Condolences |
 Marian S. Fisher~ Read the Obituary ~ Sign the Book of Condolences ~ View the Book of Condolences |
| Mary Liz & Lena Z. Miller ~ Read the Obituary ~ Sign the Book of Condolences ~ View the Book of Condolences |
Anna Mae Stoltzfus ~ Read the Obituary ~ Sign the Book of Condolences ~ View the Book of Condolences |
| Special Thanks to Pat’s Web Graphics for the flower graphics:
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UPDATED DONATION INFORMATION:
There have been three funds set up to take monetary donations for both the Amish Community and the Roberts Children. The banks that are administering the fund works closely with the Amish community as many members are customers of the bank. I am not sure why there are two separate children’s funds. The details I currently know about each are listed with the specific information.
Amish leaders have agreed to accept these donations contrary to the popular belief that they would accept none. The bank has assured inquirers that they have spoken to one of the leaders of the Amish community and that they as a community will decide how best to disperse the donations they receive. Most likely the donations will go straight to the hospital to help pay for the children’s medical care as it is quite expensive and would put a huge burden on any community. There is also talk on tearing down the school building, and rebuilding. Some familiar with the Amish have also stated that the money would most likely be used to generate other acts of goodwill. Any of these options available to the community and in keeping with their traditions is IMHO a worthy choice. Here is the donation fund information:
The following donation information was taken from the obituaries for the Amish girls’ which was published in the Intelligencer Journal. The families ask that flowers be omitted and monetary donations be sent to:
Nickel Mines School Victim’s Fund
c/o Hometown Heritage Bank
PO Box 337
Strasburg, PA 17579
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Message from the Coatesville Saving Bank: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE STAFF OF CSBANK WISHES TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST REGRETS TO THE COMMUNITY OF BART TOWNSHIP IN THE WAKE OF THE TRAGIC DEATHS OF OUR NEIGHBORS’ CHILDREN TODAY. WE HAVE ESTABLISHED TWO FUNDS FOR ALL NECESSARY HELP AND SOLACE FOR THE BEREAVED. ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS: Electronic Contributions will be accepted over the internet at the Coatesville Savings Bank Website located at: http://www.coatesvillesavings.com |
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| MAILING ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS: | |
| Nickel Mines Children’s Fund Coatesville Savings Bank 1082 Georgetown Road Paradise, PA 17562 |
Roberts Family Fund Coatesville Savings Bank 1082 Georgetown Road Paradise, PA 17562 |
| Donations can also be made in person at any Coatesville Savings Bank branch locations. Marcy Maher, Coordinator of Donor Relations Office of University Development & Alumni Relations at the Pennsyvania State University in Hershey Pennsyvania where some of the injured children are being treated in the University Hospital also confirmed acceptance by the community of these donation funds. Ms. Maher also stated the following in regards to the victims’ families: “The families are grateful for your continued thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” |
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UPDATE – 7:20 p.m. U.S. Central Time :
The latest news indicates that a total of 5 people are dead following this morning’s tragic events. 3 schoolgirls, 1 Teacher’s Aide, and the gunman who reportedly committed suicide. 8 other young girls are reported to be in critical condition treated at the top hospitals around the area. More information is becoming available and I will update this page with any change of information.
UPDATE – 8:30 p.m. Central Time:
More discrepancies as to the number of people who have died. This article lists 4 deceased in total, but an article from a local source states that number as 5 as can be seen in the WGAL-TV article below…
“MAN STORMS AMISH SCHOOL, KILLS 3, SELF” – by Mark Scolforo, Associated Press (AP) – The Houston Chronicle – The Hearst Corporation – Houston, Texas, US – 2 October 2006 – Last Updated: 8:29 p.m.
[. . .]Miller said Roberts was apparently preparing for a long siege, arming himself with a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and a rifle, along with a bag of about 600 rounds of ammunition, two cans of smokeless powder, two knives and a stun gun on his belt. He also had rolls of tape, various tools and a change of clothes.
Roberts had left several rambling notes to his wife and three children that Miller said were “along the lines of suicide notes.” The gunman also called his wife during the siege by cell phone to tell her he was getting even for some long-ago offense, according to Miller.
From the suicide notes and telephone calls, it was clear Roberts was “angry at life, he was angry at God,” Miller said. And it was clear from interviews with his co-workers at the dairy that his mood had darkened in recent days and he had stopped chatting and joking around with fellow employees and customers, the officer said.
Miller said that Roberts had been scheduled to take a random drug test on Monday. But the officer said it was not clear what role that may have played in the attack.
Miller said investigators were looking into the possibility the attack may have been related to the death of one of Roberts’ own children. According to an obituary, Roberts and his wife, Marie, lost a daughter shortly after she was born in 1997.[. . .]
– “MAN STORMS AMISH SCHOOL, KILLS 3, SELF” – The Houston Chronicle
A FOX News reporter asked an Amish man what we could all do for them in this time of sadness, and he simply asked that we pray.
A reader from Lancaster County, PA suggested on a local forum that people consider sending money to help pay for the enormous hospital bills they are likely to incur as they do not carry medical insurance and the costs are borne by the community as a whole. I am not sure at this time where one would donate the money though — perhaps straight to the hospitals?
Another suggestion that was made was to donate blood which is always needed even in your local area. The person also suggested that those in the immediate area with ties offer what they can in way of transportation to and from the hospitals that their children have been taken to. Again, I am not from the area, so I assume that those who are know what would be entailed to assist in this way.
For the rest of us, as was told to the FOX newsman I agree that we should pray – Pray for their strength and God’s comfort for the Amish community especially the families of those children killed, for the survival of the remaining children who are being treated at the hospitals, and I feel we should also we should pray for the gunman’s wife and children as they must be suffering tremendously as well…
Below is an updated news article from the WGAL-TV Website, as well as a statement from the gunman’s wife.
“POLICE: ‘HE INTENDED NOT TO WALK OUT OF THERE ALIVE’”
– Ch. 8 WGAL-TV (NBC) – Hearst-Argyle Television – Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US – 2 October 2006 [NOTES: From this page you can also access a wide variety of resources such as still photos and video coverage.]
Police: ‘He Intended Not To Walk Out Of There Alive’ – Ch.8 WGAL-TV (NBC)
POSTED: 11:26 am EDT October 2, 2006
UPDATED: 7:03 pm EDT October 2, 2006
A gunman stormed a one-room Amish schoolhouse Monday morning, barricaded it, lined up students and shot 11 of them, one teacher’s aide and then himself before police could even start negotiations.
The teacher’s aide and two students died at the scene. Another student was dead on arrival at Lancaster General Hospital. The eight other students are in critical condition. The gunman is dead.
Commissioner Jeffrey Miller of the Pennsylvania State Police identified the gunman as Charles Carl Roberts IV, 32, of Bart Township. Miller said Roberts was a truck driver who delivered milk. He went to work last night and all appeared normal. Miller said Roberts took his children to the bus stop this morning and that the last time his wife saw him was at 8:45 a.m.
Miller said Roberts’ wife found what appeared to be a suicide note Monday morning. She tried to contact her husband by phone but could not reach him. Later, Roberts called her and told her he would not be coming home, Miller said.
Miller said Roberts had forced many of the children to line up against the blackboard and that he bound their feet with wire ties and flex cuffs. Miller said that it appears when Roberts shot the children, they were shot execution-style. One of the shot females died in the arms of a state trooper, Miller said.
Miller said that it appears that Roberts was intent on getting revenge for something that happened 20 years ago, and it involved young females. All of the deceased, except for the shooter, were females.
“It’s obvious to us that this was a premeditated hostage scenario,” Miller said. “I believe, based on what the investigators have so far, he intended not to walk out of there alive, but he also intended to kill innocent victims.”
Before the shooting, Miller said, Roberts allowed all of the male students, three adult females who had infants and a pregnant woman to leave. That group, which included the teacher, went to a nearby farm. The teacher called police at 10:36 a.m., saying that hostages had been taken at the school.
Miller said officers responded and that Roberts, who was heavily armed, could easily see them. Miller said Roberts called Lancaster County radio and told them if state police did not remove themselves in 10 seconds, he would start shooting people. A negotiator was able to get the cell phone number that Miller had called from, and just as that negotiator was calling back, Roberts started shooting, Miller said.
“They heard shots, multiple shots in quick succession,” Miller said.
Miller said officers had already been preparing for an assault, and that as the shots were fired they moved in. Getting inside was not easy because Roberts had blocked all doorways with two-by-fours and two-by-sixes, which he had brought with him. Officers had to climb into the schoolhouse through windows. By the time they were in, Roberts had shot students, a teacher’s aide and himself.
Miller said Roberts had forced many of the children to line up against the blackboard and that he bound their feet with wire ties and flex cuffs. Miller said that it appears when Roberts shot the children, they were shot execution-style. One of the shot females died in the arms of a state trooper, Miller said.
Some of the injured children, who have been transported to hospitals, various were shot in the head.
“He did a great deal of planning,” Miller said. Roberts was prepared for a “lengthy siege if you will.” If you’d like to see a list of all the weapons and material Roberts brought with him to the school, click here.
Tragedy In Lancaster County
News 8 reporter Anne Shannon said people who were inside the scene told her with tears in their eyes that Lancaster County has never seen a tragedy like this.
“This is definitely an enormous scene,” Shannon said.
The school, which is called the West Nickel Mine Schoolhouse, is at 4876 White Oak Road in Bart Township.
”They’re all little kids,” said a man who lives near the school. “I see the kids come right by my house … they’re always friendly, waving, smile. They come to our house sometimes selling different goods … They’re sweet kids. It just blows my mind. It’s as quiet as can be out here.”
The schoolhouse serves about 30 students from first to eighth grade. The school is among farmlands just outside the tiny village of Nickel Mines.
“Gunman’s Wife Releases Statement” – Ch. 8 WGAL-TV (NBC)
QUOTE:
A family friend of Charles Carl Roberts, the 32-year-old man accused of shooting students at an Amish school in Bart, Pa. Monday, read the following statement from Roberts’ wife on News 8:
”The man that did this today was not the Charlie I’ve beenmarried to for almost 10 years. My husband was loving, supportive and thoughtful — all the things you’d always want and more. He was an exceptional father. He took the kids to soccer practice and games, played ball in the backyard and took our 7-year-old daughter shopping. He never said no when I asked him to change a diaper. Our hearts are broken, our lives shattered and we grieve for the innocent lives that were lost today. Above all, please pray. Pray for the families who lost children today. Please pray to for our family and children.”
– “Gunman’s Wife Releases Statement” – Ch. 8 WGAL-TV (NBC)
ORIGINAL POST:
Dear Readers,
At least 4 young Amish girls are dead right now due to a man entering their school armed with a shotgun and a handgun. It is reported that they were shot in the head. I am just hearing of this now, and need to gather information to give you all a full picture of what happened. I am honestly in complete utter disbelief, shock and horror at hearing this incredibly tragic story. Below I have linked a video from the Associated Press. Also, I have linked to the live thread currently ongoing at FreeRepublic.com for those of you who are unable to follow the live updates on TV and such (those at work, etc…).
I apologize for not being eloquent in this post, but I need to compose myself before writing anything further. After spending the last 5 days reading about and trying to come to some understanding of what happened in Colorado and Wisconsin this has hit me hard. Of all the people in the world why would this person attack AMISH CHILDREN? Simply, truly horrible…
I will update this with the facts as soon as I am able. Right now I’m going to spend some time with my children, and spend some time in prayer as I truly worry about what is happening to our world…
Allegedly Carl Charles Roberts, IV of Bart Pennsylvania, who was killed as well, did this to exact some type of revenge for something that involved young females 20 years ago when he was 12. Now, I lived through a childhood of abuse and bullying in school and have survived several other true crimes, and I have never considered these types of actions, and I honestly can’t understand how others get so twisted in their thinking.
Prayers for the soul’s of the murdered children, their families and indeed their whole community. And prayers for God to intervene with ANYONE contemplating anything like this. I don’t care what has happened in your life it is NOT an excuse to murder others…
Take care and stay safe everyone — Shower the ones you love today and everyday with kindness, and with God’s help, somehow we’ll turn this world around…
SPECIAL NOTE:
CW-Patriot has posted some a truly insightful commentary on the Amish community, and how they will deal with this tragedy. I remarked that maybe that is part of God’s plan in all of this — perhaps we can learn something from these simple, yet hard-working good people. Something that perhaps we have all lost in this crazy modern world of ours… Please visit the following blog, scroll down and take the time to read the short entry, it’s truly worth the time…
[…] They are not a covetous people, nor are they a violent people. They believe that, within the will of God, one reaps what one sows. So today’s tragedy in southern Lancaster County will be interpreted as God’s will. And the Amish know that we humans do not always comprehend the reasons behind such seemingly senseless tragedies. But they will turn to the Lord for answers, and for the strength and comfort that only He can provide them now. […]
READ THE REST HERE: – “HEARTBREAK IN LANCASTER COUNTY” – Allegiance & Duty Betrayed
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION:
- “GUNMAN LOOKING FOR INNOCENT VICTIMS IN SHOOTING, POLICE SAY” – Ch. 9 WJAL-TV – Pennsylvania
[NOTES: After the first paragraph there is a link to see still photos of the scene. Look for the link that say, “PICTURES: Scene”. This station also has on-demand video coverage available.]
Liberty Rocks 