Some of the most important clues about what drove Adam Lanza to mass murder probably sit on the computer that the reclusive, technical-minded 20-year-old used as one of his main contacts with the world, law enforcement authorities say.
Lanza attempted to destroy his computer's hard drive before setting out on the Dec. 14 killing spree in Newtown, Connecticut. Police have declined to provide information on the extent of the damage to the drive, but investigators remain hopeful that it can be repaired.
Specialists said any effort to recover data may be thwarted if the hard drive's magnetic platters are shattered. If the damage is less severe, or if there are multiple platters, investigators may be able to glean useful information. Such recovery efforts are slow and costly.