Medical examiner provides details on Conn. shooting

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WHDH) -- Connecticut State Medical Examiner Wayne Carver said what he saw inside Sandy Hook Elementary School was the worst he has seen in his 30-year career.

“The matter of death of all of these cases has been classified as homicide,” said Carver.

The gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and 12 girls and 8 boys. All were first graders. The six adults killed in the rampage inside the school were all women. All the victims were shot more than once.

“I only did seven of the autopsies. The victims I had ranged from 3 to 11 wounds and I only saw two of them with close-range shooting,” said Carver.

Lanza shot his way into the school through a locked front door and despite earlier reports he was armed with two handguns, the medical examiner says the gunman was using a long range, high-powered rifle.

“All of the wounds I know of at this point were caused by the long weapon,” said Carver.

Officials told NBC News Lanza unsuccessfully tried to buy a rifle at a Dick's Sporting Goods in Danbury just three days before the massacre but later said they couldn't confirm the report which was based on information that came from the public.

Investigators do say they collected key evidence.

“Our investigators at the crime scene, the school and secondly at the secondary crime scene we discussed where the female was located deceased did produce some very good evidence in this investigation,” said Lt. Paul Vance, Conn. State Police.

Investigators said Lanza murdered his mother first at their home before he went on the school shooting rampage that ended with him taking his own life.

The superintendent of schools now says Lanza's mother was not an employee at the school.

For now a grieving community wrestles with the unthinkable.

“We will find a way to heal so that all of our residents young and old will again find peace,” said Patt Llorda, Newtown selectwoman.

The medical examiner said autopsies on Lanza and his mother will be conducted Sunday. Investigators, state and local police and the F.B.I. are still not commenting on a possible motive.