Could The Alabama Killing Spree Have Been Prevented?

Alabama Samson Why do people commit such violent acts?

by Steve Alexander

Published: Wed, March 11, 2009 - 9:15 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, March 11, 2009 - 9:35 pm CST

Many people wonder, how could such a tragedy like the shootings in southeast Alabama happen?
Maureen Gleason is a licensed professional counselor who works with companies to prevent workplace violence: violence like the shootings in southeast Alabama.
When asked if the shootings could have been prevented, she said, "Very likely, they could not have. We know that people who suffer a series of setbacks can get to the point where they're so discouraged and depressed that they think life isn't worth living."
Why do some people act out violently and others don't?
Gleason said, "Some people don't cope with stress very well and if you see somebody who's really struggling with it, seems discouraged, seems depressed, try to reach out and get them some help."
J.T. Wright is a trained disaster relief chaplain and the young people's minister at Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile.
He said sometimes, perhaps in Michael McLendon's case, people become desperate.
Wright said, "Most folks who are in that situation don't realize that there is help available. It's encouraging people to look and actually seek help. Pride is a big issue across all socio-economic barriers, and there are people who are simply too proud to ask for help."
Wright also believes faith and hope help people deal with crises.
He said, "We at Dauphin Way believe that, as human beings, we were created to have a relationship with our Creator, and without that relationship in your life, you don't have hope."

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