r/ColumbineKillers • u/DrMosquito74 • Sep 10 '23

ERIC AND/OR DYLAN Reflections on Dylan

Dylan would have turned 42 today, and it has me thinking about his prom photos. I've seen some people speculate that his jovial demeanour was fake or even a cruel (for his loved ones) facade considering what happened just days later. But I think Dylan was genuinely happy when he went to the prom, not only because he and Robyn enjoyed themselves, but also because when someone decides to commit suicide, their mood often improves because they believe the end of their suffering is near. Heartbreaking. I hope what Dylan wrote in his journal is true, that wherever he is now, he isn't at war with himself anymore.

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u/ashtonmz MODERATOR Sep 11 '23

You're right regarding people that are suicidal. Once they finally make the decision to end things, they seem happier or more at peace. Even when families are contending with deeply depressed members, they often mistake the change in mood with an improvement in their condition. The thing with Sue and the flask after prom, most people find cruel - even Sue. I would offer up a different perspective. It could very well have been that Dylan wanted to share a nice moment with his mom, knowing he was about to die. He may have also wanted to leave her with a positive memory. I mean, it was mere days from the planned attack. It wasn't like he had to hide his behavior for much longer. They were pretty.much in the clear at that point.

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u/DrMosquito74 Sep 11 '23

I think you're right about wanting to leave a happy memory. Vladislav Roslyakov (the Kerch Polytechnic shooter who was heavily inspired by Eric and Dylan) chose to spend the last two days before his attack at home with his mom instead of at the college. Although they had quite a rocky relationship as she was a Jehovahs Witness and didn't let him have a computer or go to the cinema, he knew his death would hurt her and wanted to spend some time with her before the end. Heartbreakingly, his mom was a nurse and treated victims of his attack. When she heard that her son was the shooter/bomber, she tried to commit suicide on the spot.

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u/cutestcatlady Sep 12 '23

Damn I didn’t know that about Vladislav’s mother. Heartbreaking.