By Fatma Younis
The 16-year-old who killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Oct. 15 had been assaulted twice in recent years and told his sister he was bullied at school, according to police records obtained by NBC News.
Previous Assaults Documented
Griffin John II, identified as the shooter, was 11 when his sister's friend allegedly slapped him, chipping a tooth, and punched him in the back of the head four to six times at their home in 2022. His mother, Shauntai Nickerson, told police John had special needs, and the responding officer noted he appeared to have a cognitive disability based on his nonverbal communication and speech patterns.
Bullying Concerns
John told the officer he had been bullied at school but expressed concern about reporting it because his mother would get upset. The officer attempted to contact the friend but all phone numbers were disconnected. No charges were pursued in that case.
2025 Domestic Violence Incident
In 2025, John was punched 12 to 14 times by a man Nickerson had been dating after he tried to defend his mother during a domestic dispute. John said the man threatened them, shoved him twice, and body-slammed him to the ground. Nickerson and John later declined to cooperate with the investigation, saying the matter was resolved.
School Shooting Details
John opened fire on a special-needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary before being killed by a man who had two daughters at the school. Law enforcement continues to investigate his motive. Court and police records previously detailed a tumultuous home life with both parents involved in violent encounters and financial instability.
