Ronald Dale “Ron” Edwards, 50, was principal at Bethel Regional High School and was shot dead on the morning of February 19, 1997. A 16-year-old student, Evan Ramsey, arrived by bus carrying a Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun concealed under his jacket. After opening fire in the student commons and mortally wounding 15-year-old Josh Palacios and injuring others, Ramsey moved toward the main lobby where he encountered Edwards and shot him twice—in the back and shoulder. Edwards was rushed to Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after 8:45 a.m. Alaska time. Police returned fire in the lobby; Ramsey then surrendered and was taken into custody at the scene.

Investigators uncovered that the attack had been discussed in the days beforehand and that a circle of teenagers knew of Ramsey’s plans. At least two peers helped him: one, identified as James Randall, taught Ramsey to load and operate the shotgun and encouraged the killings; another, Matthew Charles, urged him on with talk of notoriety. Randall was later convicted on two counts of second-degree murder for his role. What information might still be relevant to people who knew Ron Edwards or witnessed events that morning?