From Deseret News archives:
Police trying to develop a profile of gunman
"We have tried to develop a profile of this young man and make some reason why he would do the acts that he did, and at this point we don't have any motive," Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank said Thursday. "But there's nothing to indicate this had to do with race, religion or any other reason."
FBI Special Agent Patrick Kiernan said they remain involved in the investigation of the mass murder.
"We are providing whatever assistance is needed," he said.
Asked if the FBI is using its profilers to help learn more about Talovic, Kiernan said he could not comment because of the ongoing investigation.
On Thursday, detectives were talking to more people who knew Sulejman Talovic, trying to figure out what triggered the 18-year-old's homicidal fury inside the Trolley Square mall. His family, co-workers and any possible friends he may have had are being questioned to glean some insight and piece together the young man's final days.
Salt Lake City police detective Jeff Bedard said they are leaving "no stone unturned."
However, police concede that the most painful question why may never be answered.
"It's a possibility that that may never be known," Salt Lake City police detective Robin Snyder said.
It's a question that even Talovic's family wants answered, but nobody seems to know.
"Nobody, like you guys ..., I don't know. I don't have any idea," his father, Suljo Talovic, said Thursday.
Burbank said that police are trying to get a portrait of Talovic's life.
"What his entire life was like, what his family life was like, everything that he was involved in, in order to come up with answers," the chief said. "We just haven't had anything concrete that points to motive at this point."
The FBI said part of that investigation includes Talovic's juvenile criminal record.
While the shooting rampage has spawned questions and hate-laden comments on the Internet about Talovic's Muslim faith, Salt Lake police and the FBI have said they have no evidence to suggest that terrorism is involved.
Sulejman Omerovic, a Bosnian immigrant who works as a taxi driver, said he met with the Talovic family on Thursday. While speaking to Suljo, he said a passage from the Quran came up in their conversation.
Comments
- 3 men sought in Ogden robbery 8:52 a.m.
- Tiger Woods' statement 8:52 a.m.
- Woods says he lets family down 8:42 a.m.
- Offer Taliban chance to end fight 8:34 a.m.
- Party crashers had no invitation 8:33 a.m.
- Iran releases 5 British sailors 8:26 a.m.
- Gates, Mullen & Clinton pitch plan 8:25 a.m.
- Oil falls below $78 on supply jump 8:23 a.m.
- Stocks mixed after jobs report 8:22 a.m.
- Utes prepare to go bowling 6:15 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
- Witness: Mitchell wanted attention
- BYU says Hall incident resolved
- Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
- Find joy in life, Bishop Burton says
- Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
- MWC '09 season in review
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
907 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
483 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
404 - Max Hall issues apology
388 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
349 - Utes won't respond to Hall
276 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
238 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
164 - BYU is champion of the state
143 - Religion in politics is tiresome
131
My husband was teaching his 6th-grade class in Salt Lake last year when...
Nuke the conventions and go to a direct primary. Let the people decide.
In any case I'm very glad that these extremists must now make the claim that...
Its not that you didnt think deep enough, its that you didnt think at all....
you are right Larry!!!! It is their right to steal from others! Why they...
To "Stupid is as Stupid says," Amen. And, how many months did he wait to...
Look for Weber to win big tonight. Pack the Dee tonight Wildcats fans, this...
Eagar has been gathering volunteer names for months. She has had 50 events...
Despite holding themselves out as a visible missionary arm of the Church,...
The athletic department at BYU simply demonstrated that it isn't deserving of...
I thought it was a great speech first of all because he was honest about the...

You can be the first to comment on this story.