UPDATE, 12:09 a.m.: In his press briefing this morning, Vance said that Lanza “was not voluntarily let into the school,” indicating that the shooter forcibly made his way inside. Parents and community members have said that the school does have a security system in place, so the question remains about how (and where) the shooter managed to enter the building.
Here is a layout of the building itself:
Contributed photo
UPDATE, 10:50 a.m.: The press conference has wrapped up and the next briefing won’t be for another hour. Here are a few of Vance’s comments:
He also urged reporters respect victims’ families’ privacy:
“They have asked for you to please respect their privacy. They’re going through, as I know you understand, a very difficult and trying time.”
Vance said that no other arrests were made:
“There were no other arrests that were associated with this investigation that occurred.”
However, he failed to address what became of the man that police held for questioning shortly after the shooting took place. Witnesses said that the man was led out in handcuffs from the woods adjacent to the school. He was later placed into the front-seat of a nearby state police cruiser and questioned.
Vance also pointed out that a Crisis Intervention Team from Yale-New Haven Hospital to support grieving families. They can be reached at 203-270-4283.
UPDATE, 10:36 a.m.: Shortly before the press conference started, state police released a news release detailing a few fresh details.
Most notable:
“A second crime scene was located by investigators at a residence on Yogananda Street. A female was located deceased inside the residence. This scene was secured and an additional State Police Major Crime Squad responded to this scene to investigate this incident. Preliminary information determined that the deceased was a relative of the “shooter” at the Elementary School.”
UPDATE, 10:23 a.m.: Lt. Paul Vance is currently addressing the media:
“The minute the medical examiner is done, I mean that sincerely, he is coming here and we will provide the detailed information, as much of the detailed information as we can, relative to the work he did overnight.”
UPDATE, 9:51 a.m.: The Hour co-managing editor Jerrod Ferrari is tweeting that the list of the victims’ names will be released to The Associated Press before they are announced to the public. The presser’s been pushed back again to 10 a.m.
UPDATE, 9:23 a.m.: Even as the grisly details have begun to emerge, they are being interspersed with tales of heroism: here and here.
UPDATE, 8:57 a.m.: The presser has yet to start. Media are still standing by.
Michael Duffy/Staff Photographer
UPDATE, 8:47 a.m.: As WTNH pointed out, United Way of Western Connecticut has started accepting donations to benefit the families affected by yesterday’s shooting. For more details, call 800-461-0672.
UPDATE, 8:27 a.m.: A press conference is set to begin shortly at Treadwell Park, where authorities are expected to update the media on the progress of their investigation.
The presser was initially scheduled for 8 a.m., but has been pushed back several times as reporters await the arrival of Lt. Paul Vance, a state police spokesman.
Vance told reporters at a similar briefing yesterday that authorities also hoped to release the names of the shooting victims. Their family members were notified overnight.