Collegiate Times

records center

Mental health records for April 16, 2007 gunman Seung-Hui Cho are now public after Virginia Tech received permission to release the information from his family and estate executor.

Related: Cook director in possession of Cho's records was fired

The released records, a combination of records held at Cook Counseling Center and at former Cook Director Robert Miller's home, offers a grim description of the student who would perpetrate the worst school shootings in U.S. history.

In one file dated Nov. 30, 2005, Cho describes a "depressed mood" along with panic episodes "when having to talk to people." Earlier reports had shown that Cho had been diagnosed with selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that made it extremely difficult to speak with others. While his disorder was known among school officials in Fairfax County, where Cho had gone to high school, Virginia Tech was not made aware of the diagnosis. Cho declined to talk about relationship problems saying that he "does not have any relationships."

Another examination done at the St. Alban's Behavioral Health Center of the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center on Dec. 14, 2005 describes Cho disposition as "non-verbal, very quiet," often looking at the floor, without blinking, smiling, laughing or crying. The assessment concluded Cho had a mood disorder, recommending extra treatment and counseling.

The evaluation took place following a suicidal text message sent on Dec. 13, which led to him being held overnight at the center.

Only a few hours after that evaluation, Cho would deny having either suicidal or homicidal thoughts at an appointment at Cook Counseling Center. A counselor at the center, Sherry Conrad, would give Cho hotline numbers to call after he declined to schedule a follow-up appointment for the spring 2006 semester.

The Dec. 14 meeting would be the last time Cho would be in contact with the center.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine issued a statement following the release of the records.

"The release of Seung Hui Cho's records will raise a lot of different feelings for the families devastated by the tragic events of April 16, 2007-and for the broader Virginia Tech community. I deeply sympathize with the families and loved ones who have to relive the pain and loss of that terrible day.

"We will never fully comprehend what led Seung Hui Cho to carry out his assault on his fellow students and instructors. His actions were by nature inexplicable, and I don't expect the questions surrounding the tragedy will ever really end. However, we remain committed to openness around the events at Virginia Tech and it is important that the public have legal access to these records. I am pleased the Cho family also wanted these records released to the public.

"To the Virginia Tech families-and the countless citizens across the country and around the globe who bore witness to that terrible day-I renew my condolences and offer my prayers for brighter days to come."