THE BASEMENT TAPES DESCRIBED BY OFFICER AT JEFFERSON COUNTY:
On 4-24-99, I opened item #200 from the JCSO evidence vault. Inside item #200 is a Sony 8mm video camera with serial
#74415. The camera was engraved on the side "Columbine High School." The battery was not attached to the camera. Using gloved hands I attached the battery and removed the tape from within the camera, using the eject button. The battery was engraved "CHS I.MC". The tape had a hand writen label, "Top Secret Rampart." FBI Special Agents John Elvig and Jeff Diehl viewed the video tape with me.
The tape begins with Eric Harris utilizing the video camera and video taping Dylan Kiebold. On the floor are laid out numerous pipe bombs, to include three Harris describes as the "Charlie Batch" and states they are two inches in diameter and six inches in length; six which appear to be about one inch in diameter and about six inches in length; and twelve which appear to be about one and one half inches in diameter and also about six inches in length. All of these pipe bombs are wrapped in duct tape. Also on the floor is a sawed off shotgun which Harris refers to as "Arlene." While Harris is video taping the shotgun, it appears that "Arlene" is etched into the side of the gun. Also, on the floor is a black long gun which he refers to as a carbine. Thirteen clips are observed on the floor. Harris specifically states that they were from Green Mountain Guns and states, "Yes they did have the right number” Also observed on the floor are two boxes of what appear to be 9mm bullets. Harris points out "My bandolier of stuff", and states it will be filled with "napalm." Also on the floor is a black plastic box which is filled with duct taped items Harris describes as twenty-nine "crickets", and states they are his grenades. Harris then gives the camera to Klebold who video tapes Harris holding some of the guns. The tape then stops and starts again with Harris wearing black BDU's, no shirt and a web type harness, carrying the 9mm carbine attached to a sling, holding the shotgun. At one point Harris places the shotgun into one of the cargo pockets, and then with a web strap secures it, so that it is at his side. Klebold makes a comment about Harris as a "soon to be eighteen year old." This would place the filming of this portion as occurring prior to April 9th. Both of the guns Harris refers to as a carbine and "Arlene" appear to be the same guns which were collected at the scene at Columbine High School. At one point you can hear Klebold refer to "my Tec," and states he wants to do something with it "this weekend, maybe tomorrow:" At the same time Klebold says, "My parents are going to fucking Passover," which would place the filming of this tape prior to 4-1-99.
Klebold moves from filming Harris in his lower level family room of his parents residence at [censored] Street, to filming inside Eric Harris's bedroom. I recognize the rooms inside this residence as I executed a search warrant at that residence on 4-20-99. Klebold films the west window inside Harris' room. and cails it a "bunker" and says. "You can't see it, it's buried there" Then he says. "That's why it's called a bunker."
The camera is stopped and re-started again. During the next portion of the film Eric Harris is alone inside of a moving car. Harris is the driver. The camera seems to be recording him from the dashboard. It is dark outside, during this portion of the tape and it appears there are raindrops on the window of the car. At one point you see a street a sign that says "Federal." There is music playing in the car which is fairly loud. As a result it is difficult to understand what Harris is saying at times. At one point he references the "The Black Jack Crew" and specifically mentions "Jason" and "Chris." Harris says, "You guys are very cool" He also says. "Sorry dudes, I had to do, what I had to do." Harris also mentions, "Angel," "Phil," and "Bob." Harris says that “Bob is one of the coolest guys I've ever met in my life, except for being an alcoholic." Harris also says he's, going to miss Bob.
At one point Harris states, "It is a weird feeling knowing you're going to be dead in 2 ½ weeks." Harris also mentions not being able to decide "if we should do it before or after prom." At the end of this portion of this video tape Harris mentions, wishing he could have re-visited Michigan and "old friends." At this point he becomes silent and appears to start crying and appears to wipe a tear from the left side of his face. At this point he reaches over towards the camera and it is shut off.
When the video tape resumes it appears that Eric Harris is now holding the camera while he video tapes Dylan Klebold. This is occurring within Dylan Klebold's bedroom, at his parents residence at [censored] Road. This residence is also known to me as I executed a search warrant at that residence on 4-21-99. Klebold appears to be wearing black BDU's, a black t-shirt with "Wrath" in red print across the front. Klebold is attaching something to his pants which appears to be suspenders, black in color. Klebold also attaches some sort of ammo type pouch to his belt or suspenders, which is tan in color, and also a green canvas looking pouch to his right shin, Klebold removes some of the items from an open case on the floor. This appears to be either a small suitcase or hard sided briefcase. Klebold takes a sawed off shotgun and places it into a cargo pocket on his pants and then attaches it with webbing so that it stays in place. Klebold has what appears to be the Tec 9 (which was removed from him at the crime scene) on a sling, over his shoulder. Klebold makes some comment about his "50 round clip." Klebold also mentioned Brandon Larson and his head being on his knife. Klebold mentions "Robyn" and going to prom with her. Klebold states he didn't want to go. Then also states, his parents are paying for it. Harris makes a comment abour having three bags to use. They also talk about wanting to "practice" the next couple of nights. Harris mentions that they got "lasers and more propane today." He also mentions four big black containers and two of some sort of other fuel, the type of which is inaudible.
Klebold and Harris begin talking about writing poems in "Kelly's class today," and how ridiculous it was.
They then begin taiking about the double barrel shotgun. Klebold says, "Thank's Mr. Steven's." Klebold then begins telling Harris, "He knew I was fucking buying it" Klebold is getting dressed and he puts on his long black trench coat and says, "Im fat on this side," and then begins talking about how he looks "fat with all the stuff on." Klebold tries to toss the Tec 9 into his hand from the position where it was hanging on the sling. The coat prohibited him from doing that. Klebold then says, "I'll have to take the coat off." He then begins complaining about how he doesn't want to take his coat off and states he likes his coat. hey then begin discussing the "fucking snow is gay" in relation to the weather outside saying that they “hope the shit clears out by Tuesday, actually Sunday." Harris states that he "needs dry weather for my fires."
The video tape is then again shut off and re-started. This time the recording is in the family room on the main level of the Harris residence, on [censored]. Again, I recognize the room as I conducted the search warrant on 4-20-99. Harris is filming and states, "Say it now." Klebold states, "Hey mom. Gotta go. It's about haif an hour before our little judgement day. I just wanted to apologize to you guys for any crap this might instigate as far as (inaudibie) or something. Just know I'm going to a better place than here. I didn't like life too much and I know I'll be happier wherever the fuck i go. So I'm gone. Good-bye. Reb.." Klebold then takes the camera and is filming Harris. Harris states, "Yea.. Everyone I love I'm reaily sorry about all this. I know my mom and dad will be just like just fucking shocked beyond belief. I'm sorry alright. I can't help it." Klebold then interjects.
"We did what we had to do." Harris then resumes, "Morris, Nate if you guys live I want you guys to have whatever you want from my room and the computer room." Klebold then states they can also have his possessions. Harris then continues, "Susan sorry. Under different circumstances it would've been a lot different. I want you to have that fly cd." Both then say "Good-bye".
During this portion Klebold is wearing a black baseball style hat backwards, with a "B" outlined in white on the back of the hat.
Klebold has a plaid shirt, which appears to be either black or dark blue with white. The shirt is untucked. He is wearing black BDU type pants tucked into military style lace-up boots. Harris is also wearing a plaid shirt which appears to be black or dark blue with white. It appears there is a white t-shirt under the plaid shirt. The lower portion of Harris body is not visible. Also on the floor are briefly visible several bags. One appears to be a large maroon bag.
Two copies were made of the 8mm tape taken from evidence item #200, by myself and Special Agent John Elvig. A copy was locked in my desk drawer. A copy was given 1o Special FBl Agent Jeff Diehi to transport to the command post for this incident.
I booked the 8mm tape which I removed from item #200 back into the evidence vauit as item #333
I removed item #265 from the JCSO evidence vault and opened it and Special Agent Elvig and I viewed the 8mm tape. This tape is also Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris in the basement family room at the Harris residence at [censored] Street.
Harris is sitting on a couch and Klebold is sitting on an adjacent chair. The majority of the tape is taken from that position while Klebold and Harris discuss a number of different topics.
Harris and Klebold say, "Thanks to Mark John Doe, and Phil John Doe." They then go on to say, "We used them, they had no clue, if it hadn't been them, it would have been someone else over 21."
They go on to talk about Green Mountain Guns and the fact that Green Mountain Guns left a message on Harris' answering machine saying, "Your clips are in." Harris and Klebold laugh about it, and then discuss it as almost having ruined their plan.
They talk about Brandon Larson, discussing, "You will find his body." Kleboid and Harris discuss bombs and make reference to "two bags" of "propane and napalm" sitting quietly. They begin discussing the shotgun and "Mr. Stevens."
Harris and Klebold say, "We're proving ourselves." They go on to discuss philosophies. Harris states he is not spending time with his family, so there won't be any "bonding" and "this won't be harder to do." Harris states, "I'm sorry I have so much rage. but you put it on me." Harris goes on to complain about his father and the fact that they had to move five times, and that Harris was always the new kid in school, and always at the bottom of the "food chain", and had no chance to earn any respect. Harris is wearing a black t-shirt with "Wilder Wein" on the front, and Harris references his shirt several times, but does not explain what it means. Klebold says, "Fuck you Walsh." They go on to reference "Walsh" patrolling in Deer Creek. Deputy Tim Walsh of the JCSO. does primarily work the districts on the south end of Jefferson County.
At one point Klebold and Harris make some comments about there being a "month and a half left." They again reference Green Mountain Guns and the message left on the answering machine. "Your clips are in." Harris goes on to talk about one of the times they went shooting in the mountains. Harris says his shotgun was in his "terrorist bag sticking out." Harris said he walked by his mother, but she oniy thought it was his pellet gun. Harris and Kiebold go on to discuss several individuals. They make a comment reference a "Dustin Harris" or "Dustin Harrison," and they say, "Everything you say is pointless." They then make reference to "Nick" and say that "he laughs too much." Harris then makes some comment about [censored] and [censored] and says they are "Christianic bitches." Harris makes a reference to "shooting them in the head." Harris and Klebold then decide to video tape a tour of "Reb's room" and all the "illegal shit." They then stand up from where they had been sitting and take the camera and begin video taping Eric Harris' lower level bedroom. Harris discusses "Arlene" and talks about it being a 12 gauge Savage shotgun. They make a comment reference, "Thank's to the gun show, and to Robyn," and then they state “Robyn is very cool." During this time frame they were sitting on the couch and the chair, and they were drinking from what appeared to be a Jack Daniel's whisky bottle. Harris references the fact that he has the whiskey bottle. They began video taping a desk with a hutch, in Harris's bedroom. Harris points out a pair of gloves which he states he took from a doctor's office, which he uses for “making bombs." He points to numerous packages of fireworks which were on top of a speaker, also on top of the hutch. Harris points out a pop can with several shots through it and numerous shotgun shells which were sitting on the hutch. Harris points to a small "black treasure chest" and says it is a "good hiding place." Harris also points out a small bullet and references it to being his "first bullet." Harris also points out solar igniters, batteries, clocks, and pipes, in a drawer, as well as engines. Harris also pulls out "completed pipe bombs" which he describes as such, from a Home Base bag in one of the desk drawers. Harris then pulis out another Home Base bag which was in one of the drawers in the desk, and points to more pipe bombs and describes them as the "Beta batch." Klebold then discusses a "bunker." He attempts to video tape out the west window of Harris' room, although it appears to be dark outside and you cannot see anything other than the glare on the window. Klebold states there is a patch of ground, where it is buried under the dirt. Harris states there are "four mortar grenades, ten crickets, and three alfa's " Harris then points to a blue spiral notebook which he describes as his "journal." Also in the desk drawer are two "future bombs" as described by Harris and Kleboid, which are clocks. They show a box of "crickets" which appear to be small CO2 cartridges.
They then began video taping a dresser on the west wall of Harris' room. He opens up a door and points out a "Hell dog drawing" which is taped to the inside of that door, and references it having been given to him years ago. Next to it is a piece of paper which I recognize as an "Anarchist substitute ingredient list" which I took during the search warrant on 4-20-99. Harris also describes a "25 pound bag of #8 buckshor" which is inside that dresser, but it doesn't show up on the video tape. Harris then pulls out a box for a BB rifle, from what he describes as a hall closet. He states that is where he keeps his shotgun. He then pulls a box from within the closet, within his room, and states that this is his knife and pulls it out and states that he paid 515 for it.
The knife is in a black sheath. He then states there is a "Swastika" on it. The camera zooms in where you can see what appears o be a Swastika carved into the sheath.
On the east wall of Harris' room, adjacent to a bedroom door, they point out a coil of green wire type material hanging on a wall and describe it as "50 foot of cannon fuse." They then go to a book case also on the east wall of Harris' bedroom. From there they talk about a "Demon Knight" CD, and open the case, revealing a Green Mountain Guns receipt where they purchased "nine magazines" for $15 each. Harris then removes a rack of CD'S to reveal three pipe bombs which he describes as the "biggest." Harris then pulls out a small black card file type box and opens it and inside is what appears to be CO: cartridge bombs which he describes as "29 crickets." Harris then points to an area which you cannot see and states there is a "coffee can in the comer which is full of gun powder." They then video tape a black plastic box that has etched into the side of it, "explosives." This was on the north wall of Harris' bedroom on the floor. Klebold goes on to discuss how Harris' parents took it away. Harris then Clarifies they only took the bomb out of it and left him with the box. Inside they video tape clock parts, fuses, tools, and CO: cartridges. They also video rape a white plastic file case which has "nails for pipe bombs, caps to be filled with gun powder" two boxes containing, 50 each, 9mm bullets, 12 shotgun shells in a box, another box of shorgun shelis, clips for a gun, and webbing. Harris then says, "What you will find on my body in April."
The tape is then shut off, and started again at which point Harris and Klebold are again in the lower level family room of Harris' residence. They state it is now "March 18th, in the middle of the night." They begin discussing "Echo and Delta" pipe bombs and whether or not they should put nails on them or not. They then begin discussing that "Religions are gay," and for "people who are weak and can't deal with life."
They state that they need to discuss secondary objectives to place the bombs, places that are "out of the way." Klebold then begins discussing a trail by Wadsworth, "by your old house". According to the in-house computer Eric Harris previously lived at 7844 South Teiler Court. They then begin discussing that they should "rig something up with a trip bomb between two trees, so when someone goes down the path it will go off." Klebold and Harris then discuss the possibility of placing "time bombs down there." They then discuss it would be "harder and take more resources." Harris and Klebold then say "This will add a few frags to the list," and that the "fucking fire department is going to be busy for a month."
Klebold and Harris then begin discussing an individual by the name of [censored] They then say the name [censored] Harris then describes how he is going to “Shoot [censored] in the groin area” They then mention the name "Jesse Gordon" and the "Goof Troop." Harris and Klebold then begin discussing that "Nigger stopped us that day," and how black people talk in "Ebonics." They then discuss "Spics." They then discuss bowling, and how each individual in the bowling class has a designated culture group to use as a target on the bowling pins to kill and that this assists them in bowling better. Harris and Klebold discuss,
"World Peace is an impossibie thing." They also then discuss that you can look on the Internet and learn how to make, "bombs, poison, napalm, and how to buy guns if you're underage." They then discussed that "Mrs. X-Y-Z bought our guns."
Harris and Klebold discuss that there is "only two weeks left, and one more weekend" and that "it is coming up fucking quick." They state that the "napalm better not freeze at that certain person's house." They discuss "Chris pizza's house" as if they're trying to disguise a name. They then go on to discuss "Yoshi" in a negative fashion. They say that they need a "lot more napalm" and may just use "gas and oil." They then discuss that it will be tough and opening the zipper may make it go off, and needing some "back-ups." They discuss the sprinkler system may "put out a fire." Harris discusses, he should possibly keep the battery out of the device, set the bag, put it in and leave so it doesn't "blow up in the commons."
They then begin discussing "credit card fraud" and Harris then raises his hand as if he had done it. They then begin discussing "tests" stating, "We wouldn't be where we are without them." They then discuss gas and oil and it being "one hell of a mental picture." They then discuss the possibility of people catching on fire. Harris and Klebold discuss graduation and how it will be a "graduation memorial service with lots of people crying." They also discuss that there will probably be a candle light memorial.
Harris states that he's got "100 builers and 10 loaded clips," and that he needs lasers for his carbine. They then address the camera and say, You guys are lucky it doesn't hold more ammo." Klebold then begins discussing that he has a, "50 round clip. two 36's, and a 24."
Harris and Klebold begin discussing, "There is a lot of shit to do." They state they need to set up more "propane bombs" and get more containers. Klebold interjects he needs to get his pants, fill his clip and get his pouches to load his shells in. They discuss they need "devices" for the "propane tanks." They state they need more "bomb holders." Harris then begins discussing that they need to go to Radio Shack because he heard there is a "thing to increase the voltage," it somehow increases through a clock and speaker, and ignites a solar ignitor. Harris said, he will tell the people he is doing special effects for a movie and "that will be a good excuse."
They state, "We are but we aren't psycho." Klebold asked Harris if he thinks the cops will listen to the whole video They then discuss that they believe that the video will be cur up into little pieces, and the police will just show the public what they want it to look like. Harris and Klebold discuss the fact that they want to distribute the videos to four news stations, and that Harris is going to scan his journal and then send copies by E-mail, and distribute blue prints and maps. Harris then begins discussing "Tier" and describes it as "My life's work" and wanting to get it "published." I recognized this term from some of the direction type booklets for the video game "Doom", which were taken by myself from Harris' room during the search warrant.
The 8mm tape from evidence item #265 was copied. The original was re-submitted to evidence by me and the copy secured in my desk.
I then removed item #298 from JCSO evidence, two 8mm tapes. One of those tapes is marked "Reb's Tape." It begins with Eric Harris in the driver's seat and another male in the passenger's seat. The voice appears to be that of Dylan Klebold. They state, "We are on our way to get the rest of our gear." They state it is now "Monday, April 11th." Klebold states he has "200 dollars on him." Harris states that he is going to "cash a check for SSO." Klebold states that they have been "planning this for over eight months." Harris says, "At least." While they are filming this portion of the tape they are in a car during daylight hours. They pass an intersection which is known to me to be "Sante Fe and Mineral."
The camera is turned off and then back on again. The next scene again, is still daylight hours. The street outside I can identify as being Broadway, north of Hampden. Harris is again the driver. They are stopped at a stop light or stop sign on the east side of Broadway. Harris is now smoking a large cigar and states it is his "birthday cigar." Harris' birthday is in fact April 9th. They state they have just purchased two rather large fuel containers, three propane bottles, and Klebold also states he got his pants. The camera is then shut off again.
The camera is turned on again. Harris appears to be alone with the video camera resting either on his knee or something else. and filming directly at his face. Behind him I can see his headboard which I recognize from the search warrant at the residence on 4-20-99, as well as a bulletin board behind the headboard. Harris begins discussing his mother and father and the cops who may want to have his "parents pay". Harris describes his parents as the "best parents" and states that anything they would have tried to do this past year he would have gotten around it. Harris states, "There is no one else to blame but me and Vodka." Harris then states it's been "hard" on him recently. He states his parents have been on his "back for putting things off" such as "insurance, and the Marine Corp." He then discusses, “this is my last week on earth."
Harris says, "To you 'Culios' our there still alive, sorry I hurt you or your friends." He also discusses this is total, "KMFDM." Harris states, "There are 7 and 1/3 days left." Harris then gets an "odd" look on his face and says, "Fucking bitches." He then begins to list names: “[censored], [censored], [censored], [censored] and [censored].”Harris states he is going to be “One tired mother fucker come Monday, and then Boom!" Harris stated, "Ill get shot and die."
Harris goes on to film his planning book and describes it as the "Writings of God." He discusses that his beliefs have changed somewhat during the year, over the course of time he has been writing. When he turns to the page where there are figurines drawn with ammo, bombs, and guns, labeled on their persons, he states it is the "drawing of gear, back when we thought we could get calico's." He points to a picture with two, what appear to be a backpacks, labeied "napalm." He states this is the "suicide plan." He then discusses the page which appears to be inventories of bombs. He points to the top of that page and states that these are how many bullets they're going to have. Harris points to some of the drawings in the back and states they are "doom drawings." He points to some other pages which have different drawings, including different types of weapons and states that these are "plans for rocket launchers and such. Most will not see the new worid." He then points to more drawings closer to the back of the notebook and states that these are "doom drawings" with a "KMFDM rist to them."
I viewed a second 8mm tape from evidence item #298. This appears to be a tape possibly made for a school project by Klebold and Harris. Klebold and Harris are visible in the tape as weil as two other individuals, identified on the tape as "Browsky" and "Tex." These items were booked back into the evidence vault. The tape marked "Reb" from item #298 was copied. The original was placed back into evidence vault and the copy secured in my desk.