A web site set up as a support group for those who knew NIU killer Steve Kazmierczak has been removed from viewing by the general public -- following Newsradio 780 reports.
The web site is on Facebook the social networking site, but since WBBM first reported on it this morning, the person who set up the site has apparently limited those who can find it to people who are listed as “friends” of theirs.
Newsradio 780 saw the site before it was blocked from general view.
The name of the site is: Steve Kazmierczak was our friend, co-worker, and classmate. And then in capital letters: WHY?
Sharaelle Arizmendi writes on the Facebook page that Kazmierczak was the “sweetest…most caring guy in the entire world”…..that he would sometimes give her rides back to her apartment from the Sociology lab because he was concerned for her safety.
She writes she’s “tired of people judging him for his last action.”
Another wrote…”thank you for everything….your wisdom…guidance…and especially your friendship. I will remember nothing but the best things about you”.
Kazmierczak’s girlfriend Jessica Baty also posted on the Facebook site. Two of the three posts have been removed. One posted three days after the NIU massacre said she was still waiting for Kazmierczak’s letter explaining why he did what he did and what he was feeling. Baty says the two were planning a life together.
Baty wrote on the Facebook site ”I didn’t know he was planning this. I’m so sorry.” She says she just needs to know why.
She also encouraged any of them who might be contacted by the media to turn down interview requests, .but that if they do*talk….to only say good things about Kazmierczak as she did in a CNN interview.
One person writes on the Steve Kazmierczak support group page asking if there are plans yet for a funeral or memorial service for him and that she’d like to attend.
Another writes that she didn’t know the NIU killer, but tha she prayed for peace for those who did.
One member of that Facebook group exchanged e-mails with WBBM.
Elizabeth Kaplan writes that the Steve Kazmierczak *she* knew…was very social, optimistiic, talkative and curious. They met when he was her tutor in the NIU sociology lab. She says he would always wear the same sweater to work in the lab to hide the extensive tattoos on his arms.
Kaplan says Kazmierczak had mentioned problems with his parents and them not being able to deal with his behavior when he was younger .and that he had lived in a group home. She says she can make no sense of him opening fire on a lecture hall killing five students.
Suesette Carre writes that she’ll miss Kazmierczak…that he was one of the nicest people she’d ever known. She adds….you were a great friend…helpful…intelligent and caring. I will always remember you this way.
Contents of this site are Copyright 2008 by WBBM.
02/21/2008 7:14AM
NIU Memorials
Share your thoughts here.
02/22/2008 7:40AM
Long sleeves
I've read at least 2 NIU students state he wore long sleeves to hide tattoos, but everything I've read is that he got the tattoos after he left NIU and around the same time he purchased 2 guns and started seeing a psychiatrist.
03/13/2008 9:38AM
Amazing
The community of NIU is amazing. I am proud to have been part of the Huskie tradition!
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