On Dec. 21, a mass shooting at a Prague university left more than a dozen people dead and shocked the Czech Republic. However, new information has come to light that the shooter, David Kozak, had previously confessed to killing a 2-month-old baby and her father just days before the rampage.
According to Czech police, Kozak left a letter at his home in the village of Hostouň in which he admitted to the double murders. The police spokesman, Jan Daněk, confirmed the existence of the letter but stated that its contents cannot be made public at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities had identified Kozak as a suspect in the double murders before the mass shooting at Charles University in central Prague. The remains of the two victims were discovered in the Klánovický les National Forest on Dec. 15, less than a week before the tragic events at the university.
The shooting at Charles University left 14 people dead and 25 injured, making it the worst mass shooting in the country’s history. Kozak arrived at the campus with a large arsenal of weapons and ammunition, and reportedly yelled about killing his father before carrying out the attack.
In response to the tragedy, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala declared Dec. 23 a national day of mourning. He condemned the “senseless” attack and called for unity and respect for the victims in the wake of the horrific events.
The shocking revelation of Kozak’s confession has added a new layer of complexity to the already devastating mass shooting, raising questions about his motives and mental state. As the investigation continues, the Czech Republic and the international community mourn the lives lost and grapple with the senseless violence that has shaken the nation.