Whitman had climbed the observation-tower of the University of Texas and started shooting at random, killing 16 and injuring 32 people. During the night before Whitman also stabbed his 43-year-old mother Margaret Whitman and his 23-year-old wife Kathy Whitman to death.
"I do not quite understand what it is that compels me to type this letter. Perhaps it is to leave some vague reason for the actions I have recently performed. I do not really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I cannot recall when it started) I have been a victim of many unusual and irrational thoughts."