Patrick Purdy

Mass Murderer

Patrick Purdy and the 1989 Cleveland Elementary School Massacre

Background

Patrick Edward Purdy was born on November 10, 1964, in Tacoma, Washington. His family moved several times during his childhood, and he spent part of his early life in Stockton, California. Purdy attended Cleveland Elementary School from kindergarten through the second grade, the same school he would attack as an adult. Purdy experienced a troubled and unstable upbringing. His parents separated when he was young, and he developed serious behavioral problems during adolescence. By his teenage years, he was frequently absent from school, abused alcohol and drugs, and accumulated a criminal record. His offenses included burglary, drug possession, weapons violations, public intoxication, vandalism, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. As an adult, Purdy moved between temporary jobs and residences. He worked intermittently as a welder, security guard and laborer but had difficulty maintaining employment. Former coworkers and acquaintances described him as withdrawn, resentful and openly hostile toward numerous groups. Investigators later found evidence that he had expressed particular anger toward Southeast Asian immigrants, whom he blamed for economic and social problems.

Previous Arrests and Warning Signs

Purdy had repeated contact with law enforcement before the massacre. In April 1987, he and his half-brother were arrested after firing a semiautomatic handgun at trees in the Eldorado National Forest while intoxicated. Purdy resisted arrest and assaulted an officer. While being held in custody, he attempted suicide by cutting his wrists and trying to hang himself with his shirt. Despite his criminal history, substance abuse and documented psychological problems, Purdy was later able to purchase firearms. On August 3, 1988, he bought a Chinese-manufactured Norinco Type 56S semiautomatic rifle in Sandy, Oregon. The weapon was a civilian version of the AK-pattern rifle. He also acquired large-capacity magazines, ammunition and handguns. During the months before the attack, witnesses reported that Purdy made increasingly hostile comments about Asian immigrants. He reportedly complained that Southeast Asian workers were taking jobs and receiving government assistance. Investigators also learned that he had spoken about becoming famous and had warned at least one person that they would someday read about him in the newspapers.

Arrival at Cleveland Elementary School

On Tuesday, January 17, 1989, Purdy drove a battered 1977 Chevrolet Caprice station wagon to Cleveland Elementary School at 20 East Fulton Street in Stockton, California. The school served many children from Cambodian, Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian refugee families. Purdy arrived shortly before noon, when hundreds of children were outside for recess. He parked behind the school and left gasoline containers and a Molotov cocktail inside his station wagon. After he entered the campus, the incendiary device ignited, causing the vehicle to burn and explode. Purdy was dressed in military-style clothing, including camouflage garments, black boots and a green flak jacket. Words and references connected to international conflicts had been written on portions of his clothing and equipment. He carried the Norinco semiautomatic rifle, a Taurus 9-millimeter pistol and another handgun. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Sokhim An 6 yr old Female

Stockton schoolyard shooting - Wikipedia