The Shocking Event That Horrified This Wyoming Town Will Never Be Forgotten
Many people living in small towns feel safe, believing that they’re far away from the violence and crime of the big cities. In 1986, one small Wyoming town learned the hard way that terrible things can happen anywhere in communities of any size. When a former marshal walked into the local elementary school, no one could have imagined what he had in mind, and no one will ever forget the horrifying events that unfolded over the next few hours.
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David's wife, Doris, was with him, and so was his daughter from a previous marriage.
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David's daughter fled the school shortly after entering the building. Hijacking her father's van, she raced to town hall where she informed authorities of David's plans. Meanwhile, David and Doris took over an empty classroom, then herded students, staff, teachers, and visitors inside. It's reported that they attempted to cram over 150 people into a room that had a maximum capacity of 30 children and one teacher.
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David Young's revolution included taking the Cokeville children hostage, demanding $2 million for each one, then detonating the bomb which he believed would transport Doris, all the children, him, and the money safely to a "Brave New World" - a world which he would rule over as a god.
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Hearing the blast, David Young came back into the room to find adults and children escaping through the door and climbing out windows. Seeing Doris engulfed in flames and writhing in agony, he shot her to end her misery. He also shot the school music teacher in the back as he was trying to escape but, possibly realizing that his plan was unraveling, Young didn't attempt to stop anyone else. He simply retreated to the restroom and shot himself in the head.
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This photo taken in the classroom after the blast shows an odd outline burned onto the wall. Students say it is exactly where one of the angels was standing during the ordeal. Several written accounts and at least two movies were made telling the story of what has become known as the Cokeville Miracle.
Do you remember the tragedy in Cokeville?
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