As the volunteer firefighters drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School the morning of December 14, Newtown Resident Audrey Petschek didn’t know how horrific the scene was.
Many residents heard initially that only the principal was shot, and it took more than an hour for correct information to spread through the town through phone calls and text messages.
“Within two to three hours the stories started to come out of what had really happened. I think I said ‘Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God,’ more times than I’ve ever said in my life.
“I mean, it’s just beyond where you can even process.”
Watch Petschek’s recollection in video above.
Casey McNerthney can be reached at caseymcnerthney@seattlepi.com or twitter.com/mcnerthney.
Broken Hearts
Hearts Broken As Children Fall
As Angels Beckon to One and All
Look for Answers to tell Us Why
That Those so Young had to Die
What Mystery should powers be
That Devastates All so Suddenly
Cruel Events on this Fall Day
That took our Loved Ones Away
Look to Heaven with pleading Eye
As Tears Drop from Sunny Sky
Sorrow Fills As Souls Depart
Taking With Them Broken Hearts