Jillian Robbins, a troubled teen turned military sniper, was stopped from a mass shooting at Penn State by a brave student. The podcast explores her mental health struggles, military training, campus tragedy, legal battles, and parental responsibility.
Female mass shooters are rare, Jillian Robbins' mental health struggles and military training led to premeditated violence.
Brandon Malov heroically disarmed Jillian during the Penn State shooting, showcasing bravery amidst chaos.
Deep dives
Rare Case of Female Mass Shooter at Penn State University
Female perpetrators in mass shootings are incredibly rare, making up only a small percentage of such incidents. Jillian Robbins, a 19-year-old girl, carried out a shooting at Penn State University in 1996, defying the norm. Her background revealed a history of mental health struggles and military training, leading to premeditated violent actions.
Unfolding of the Shooting Incident at Penn State
On the day of the shooting, Jillian armed herself with a knife and a Mauser rifle, walking to Penn State's main campus from her nearby home. At the university's hub, she targeted students indiscriminately, resulting in injuries and chaos. Brandon Malov, an aerospace engineering major, heroically disarmed Jillian, preventing further harm.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation of Jillian Robbins
Following her arrest, Jillian faced serious charges including first-degree murder, leading to a death-eligible case. Despite mental health concerns, Jillian's competency to stand trial and plea deal played key roles in the legal process. She eventually pleaded guilty to lesser charges, receiving a lengthy prison sentence.
Campus Response and Lasting Impact of the Shooting
The tragic incident prompted Penn State to revamp security measures, expand counseling services, and enhance communication strategies during emergencies. The university commemorated the victims, implemented active attacker response programs, and hosted discussions on gun violence. Subsequent years have seen no similar violent incidents on Penn State's campuses.
Jillian Robbins was a troubled teen with a long history of mental instability. But when she lied on her military application and was accepted to basic training, her years of hallucinations and debilitating depression turned her military sniper training into a recipe for a mass killer. When she decided to fire on unsuspecting students at Penn State University, the quick thinking and brave actions of a Penn State Senior kept her attack from turning into a bloody massacre, limiting the loss of life.
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For news, information, and updates about Campus Killings, or to contact the show, visit our website
Follow Campus Killings on Social Media; Twitter & Facebook Campus Killings is hosted by Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg. Research and Writing by Abagail Belcastro Produced by Mike Morford of AbJack Entertainment Be sure to listen to Amy and Meghan's other podcasts: Women and Crime & Direct Appeal
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