Frontline Season 18 Episode 8 The Killer at Thurston High

On May 21, 1998, the small town of Springfield, Oregon was rocked by a deadly school shooting at Thurston High School. Kipland Kinkel, a 15-year-old student, opened fire in the school's cafeteria, killing two students and injuring 25 others. In the aftermath of the tragedy, a community was left devastated and searching for answers.

In "The Killer at Thurston High," Frontline explores the events leading up to the shooting, Kinkel's troubled childhood and the failures of the mental health system to properly diagnose and treat his mental illness. The episode also examines the impact of the shooting on the community and the nation, including the renewed calls for gun control and the debate surrounding the treatment of mental illness in the United States.

Through interviews with Kinkel's family members, classmates, law enforcement officials and mental health experts, "The Killer at Thurston High" provides a comprehensive look at the factors that contributed to the tragedy. The episode offers a nuanced view of Kinkel, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia following the shooting. Through his own writings and interviews with those close to him, viewers gain insight into Kinkel's struggles with mental illness and the warning signs that were present in the years leading up to the shooting.

"The Killer at Thurston High" also explores the aftermath of the shooting, including the impact on survivors, families of the victims and the community as a whole. Through interviews with survivors and community leaders, the episode examines how the shooting brought the town together and sparked a conversation about the need for greater access to mental health care and resources.

As the nation continues to grapple with gun violence and mental illness, "The Killer at Thurston High" offers a poignant reminder of the human toll of these issues. Through powerful storytelling and insightful analysis, the episode provides a nuanced perspective on one of the most devastating school shootings in American history.