Corey asked Dave Cullen:

Regarding The Basement Tapes, were they really, 100% destroyed...as in zero copies in existence? I read that this has been claimed a number of times, most recently last year. Did you see the tapes (I can't remember if you mention seeing them in your book!)? I can't help but feel that public access to the tapes would shed more light on Eric and Dylan's mindset, but I also understand the fear of copycats. Thoughts?

Dave Cullen The sheriff said that yes, he had all copies destroyed. (No, this was never claimed before.) I think it was an outrageous and foolish act, especially to be done in secret, against the wishes of the vast majority involved, and especially by someone elected to such an arcane office.

I think public access would have been greatly beneficial. At the very least, they should have kept them for study by psychologists, criminologists, scholars, journalists, etc. Destroying our history--I'm appalled when ISIS does it, appalled when Jeffco does it. I'm sure the sheriff had better motives, but he went the same route. And I imagine in their minds, ISIS leaders are doing what they think is right: advancing their belief in god. It's still a horrible, stupid choice.

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