Toxicology tests negative for Omaha gunman

updated 6:23 p.m. ET Jan. 1, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. - Only an anti-anxiety medication turned up in toxicology tests done on the body of the 19-year-old gunman who fatally wounded eight people before killing himself last month at a shopping mall.

The autopsy report on Robert Hawkins revealed diazepam in his system. The tranquilizer is better known by its market name, Valium.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine told the Omaha World-Herald in a copyright story Tuesday that authorities sometimes "see people who have abused drugs or alcohol to give them the ability to carry out their misdeed."

"In this case," Kleine said, "it doesn't appear he had abused either." His blood revealed only therapeutic levels of the medication.

The autopsy report also said Hawkins killed himself Dec. 5 by a single shot from his assault rifle from under his chin.

Before committing suicide, Hawkins went into the Von Maur store at Westroads Mall and took an elevator up to the third floor. There he opened fire, fatally wounding eight people. Five other people were hit by bullets or bullet fragments, injuring two seriously.

Investigators will try to find out whether Hawkins had a prescription for the Valium, Kleine said.

Diazepam is often given to people who have anxiety attacks or insomnia, said Dr. Todd Stull, director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center's drug and alcohol program.

"It's a calming kind of medicine," Stull said. "A lower dose can help with anxiety."

People can get high on it, he said, but "it's not a very common addiction."

Court records and friends say Hawkins regularly smoked marijuana, but Kleine said there was no evidence of it or any other drugs in his blood.

More from msnbc.com How smart are you? Take our news quiz  Gut Check: How is foreclosure crisis affecting you?   Slide show: The week in pictures  First Read: Bush's gift to Obama?   Web-extra video: Myanmar's military junta

Print this Email this Blog this  IM this

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Student accused of poisoning teacher Mom indicted in MySpace suicide 2 Army helicopters at plant vandalized Flight attendant accused of setting fire on plane Gay marriage ban overturned in Calif. Slain surfer’s mom: ‘Truth will surface’ Firefighters get upper hand on Fla. wildfire Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: