Judge Blocks Release of School Shooter's Writings

A Tennessee judge ruled that the writings of Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale, including journals and a suicide note, won't be released to the public as the copyright now belongs to the victims' families, who fear inspiring copycats. Interest in the writings stems from police claims that Hale, assigned female at birth, may have identified as a transgender man and potentially held animosity towards the Christian belief system at the school she attended. The judge emphasized the risk of inspiring similar crimes and the families' right to determine access. The ruling blocked the release under federal Copyright Act, overriding Tennessee state law, with concerns about maintaining the integrity of the legal system and preventing potential harm from dissemination.