Hainstock: I thought Klang Could Help
Hainstock: I thought Klang Could Help Save Email Print
Posted: 12:19 PM Aug 1, 2007
Last Updated: 2:05 PM Aug 1, 2007

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Eric Hainstock says he went to Weston Schools on the morning of homecoming last fall armed with a shotgun and a revolver in hopes of finding Principal John Klang and making him listen to his problems.

Hainstock took the stand in his own defense today at his murder trial in Sauk County. He testified he thought Klang might be able to help him stop other students from teasing him.

The 16 year old testified he instead, shot Klang by accident as the two fought in the hallway of the school.

Defense attorneys repeatedly asked Hainstock if he meant to kill the principal and he replied that he did not.

Prosecutors must show Hainstock intended to kill Klang when he fired the gun.

Hainstock says he missed the bus last September 29th, so he started up the family's truck to drive to school. And, when he went inside the house to turn off the lights, he decided to get his father's shotgun and revolver to scare people at school and possibly get them to listen.

Hainstock's attorney, Jon Helland, asked him why he loaded the weapons. Hainstock says it was "just a reaction."

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Posted by: sylvia Location: thorp on Aug 1, 2007 at 04:10 PM
It is a sad world when students are so desparate & violent they shoot the principal. Where will it end? This kid needs help.

Posted by: nicole Location: murray on Aug 1, 2007 at 02:12 PM
i hate that loading a gun for school was just a reaction. this young boy needs desperate help