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David Cariens believes even the smallest detail about a mass shooter can be helpful when it comes to identifying patterns and preventing the next tragedy.
“It is important to find all the character traits of mass killers,” said Cariens, a member of the state commission investigating the May 31, 2019, mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.
Cariens and another commission member, Rebecca Cowan, are urging residents with any insight about the killer or shooting to speak with them next week in Virginia Beach.
They’re offering private appointments at Anchor Counseling and Wellness from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday.
Other times can also be arranged.
“We would like to make it clear to anyone who wants to talk to us that we will make ourselves available,” Cariens said.
He said they appreciate any help residents can provide.
The commission has faced multiple challenges in the past few years, he added.
He said it lacks the authority to issue subpoenas, which can make it more challenging to obtain information. The commission also has sometimes struggled with attendance, he said, which has led to canceled meetings or gatherings without a quorum.
“We would have good discussions but we couldn’t vote or approve anything (without a quorum),” he said.
On Thursday, Cariens said he and Cowan also will be reviewing documents from the city of Virginia Beach, including the shooter’s personnel files.
Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler said she was pleased to learn Cariens and Cowan will be visiting.
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“I’m appreciative of their diligence,” the Virginia Beach Democrat told The Virginian-Pilot.
Virginia Beach resident Jason Nixon, whose wife Kate was killed in the shooting, hopes many residents will sign up for appointments. The gunman fatally shot 12 people and wounded four others before he was killed by police.
“I just want people to come forward and tell the truth; that’s pretty much all I’ve been asking for for the last three years,” Nixon said.
Some in the community might want to put the tragedy behind them, said Nixon, but those who lost loved ones can’t move on so easily.
“My girls went to school one day and never saw their mom again; I went to work one day and never saw my wife again,” he said. “We don’t get to just forget about this. This is our family.”
To request an appointment, email Cariens at davecommission@gmail.com or Cowen at drrebeccacowan@gmail.com
Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com