Can social media provide clues to future workplace violence?

In June 2017, Randy Stair fired 59 bullets from his shotgun at his co-workers Terry Sterling, 63, Victoria Brong, 26 and Brian Hayes, 47, killing all three. Then he pointed his gun to his head, pulled the trigger one last time and died.

For sometime prior to the massacre, 24-year-old Stair posted extensive angry, disturbing and violent content on his You Tube channel, on-line message boards, Twitter and elsewhere reflecting a highly troubled young person.

Workplace murderer Stair left behind a frightening internet presence

Stair publicly declared "I'm a girl who's been trapped in a man's body for two and a half decades, and I need to get the hell out. I don't belong on this planet, nor have I ever. I need to die, and I'm taking whomever I can down with me."

He frequently posted photos and videos which showcased his shotguns. He also seemed to have an obsession over Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the infamous Columbine High School shooters.

Stair kissing one of the shotguns used to kill three co-workers

In a video filmed in May 2017 Stair discussed his "ingenious” plan to “do as much damage as I can.” Stair talked about his job, how he would block the exits to the workplace - which is exactly what he did on the night of the massacre - and how certain co-workers might be on a break as his deadly plot unfolded.

“Goodbye humans. … I’ll miss you …” was the final message published on Stair's Twitter.

In tribute to the Columbine mass murderer Eric Harris, Stair poses in a replica of the shirt worn by Harris with staining which appear to be a mock-up of human blood.

Employees are frequently reluctant to report concerns regarding their co-workers that occur within the workplace, much less off-hours behavior.

However, as the mayhem caused by Stair demonstrates, employees who note disconcerting behavior should be encouraged to come forward and report their concerns to their employers or if indicated to law enforcement.

Sources:

http://wnep.com/2017/06/08/disturbing-details-in-shooters-social-media/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/06/09/killer-in-supermarket-shooting-posted-chilling-videos-online-lauding-columbine-massacre/?utm_term=.d11a1e0ccaa0