Bend School Shooter Experienced Bullying, Violence

Police records are filling in some of the blanks around the 16-year-old who shot up a Bend, Oregon, elementary school, killing three children and a teacher, NBC News reports. Documents reviewed by NBC News show Griffin J. John II reported being assaulted twice in recent years and described being bullied at school; an officer wrote he "likely had a cognitive disability," citing his "non verbal speech communication and speech patterns."

At 11, John was allegedly slapped and punched at home by his sister's friend, chipping a tooth. That investigation was suspended, KGW reports. About three years later, he told police he was "bodyslammed" to the ground and repeatedly hit in the head by a man his mother was dating after trying to intervene in an argument. His mother ultimately declined to pursue charges. Investigators are still probing John's background and any motive for the Oct. 15 attack on a special-needs classroom. Per the Rogue Valley Times, John had no criminal history but was known to be absent from school for long periods of time and struggled with social and behavioral health. Both his parents have criminal histories, including allegations of violence, and his his home life was also marked by financial instability.