Childhood Strain and School Violence: Examining ACE Patterns in Fatal School Shooters

• In Event: Children and Youth Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 2: School Violence, Victimization, and Institutional Discipline

Abstract

This study provides one of the most comprehensive analyses of American school shooters,
examining 36 variables related to offender behavior and background. Using enhanced TASSS
data on fatal juvenile school shootings, we find that nearly three-quarters of offenders
experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), with higher ACE exposure linked
to greater incident severity and lethality. Mental health problems, often involving psychosis,
paranoia, or suicidality, were common and largely untreated. Nearly all shooters experienced at
least one recent stressor, highlighting the role of cumulative adversity and acute strain in
pathways to violence. Findings suggest that school shootings emerge from the intersection of
chronic and acute risks, highlighting the need for trauma-informed prevention, early
interventions, and expanded mental health care.

Authors

• Lindsay Jessica Lerner, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Joshua D. Freilich, John Jay College Criminal Justice

• Steven Michael Chermak, Michigan State University