Roberta Bobbie Badaines King, 72, was teaching an English class at the American Civic Association in Binghamton on the morning of April 3, 2009 when a gunman entered the center and opened fire. Witness accounts and ballistics place about 99 shots fired over roughly three minutes. King and many of her students were killed in the classroom; several others were wounded and four people were taken to hospitals in critical condition.

Investigators identified the shooter as a local naturalized U.S. citizen who had attended classes at the center. Police executed a search warrant at his home and interviewed relatives; a letter connected to him mentioned grievances about perceived harassment and humiliation tied to his English skills. Because the suspect died at the scene, there were no arrests or criminal charges.

King was remembered by friends and family for saying yes to work that mattered, her love of teaching, music, books and dolls, and the many small kindnesses she offered. If anyone knew Roberta King or was in that classroom, please share what you remember.