Columbine father Michael Shoels speaks out to Denver7: Full, unedited interview

"Behind the scenes" for 25 years since losing his son Isaiah in the Columbine tragedy, Michael Shoels speaks out exclusively to Denver7's Micah Smith. Hear the full, unedited interview here.

[@DallyMcCombs]

The way his eyes and face light up when he speaks of his son, it's bittersweet. I couldn't imagine losing my child.

[@treanderson2011]

I lost my daughter to suicide bck in Jan..its bn a struggle..I try to make it day by day, pouring myself into wrk..I don't express my feelings as much..I'm in my own shell..but for some unknown reason..I'm still here..I feel his pain as well as my own

[@andrewventura3287]

​@treanderson2011 I'm sorry for your loss. Please get better because, thank god, nothing happened to us yet but get better

[@MC-ss3qc]

RIP Isaiah I remember that day, you would be my age now. Great to see your Dad well. You won’t ever be forgotten🙏

[@brandondixon8495]

He's tellin it like it is

[@nelixsulu6201]

Which is probably why people avoided ever interviewing him. He actually holds the parents ACCOUNTABLE & says Columbine had a racial issue too

[@cassidyopeia2586]

Very wise man. I am so sorry for your horrible loss. Isaiah sounded like a wonderful young man.

[@TrueCrimeUnforgotten]

He smiled so Hard when she asked him who Isiah he was happy for that question

[@Itgyrl909]

He had this bottled up for decades. He’s getting it all out. Father, bless this man, his family, and all families affected by this epidemic.

[@nworbydnar]

Michael Shoels… Yes. Violence is everywhere. This is a brave man and comment. We are very sorry for your loss.

[@1DreaJ]

To gaslight this family by claiming they were being greedy is pretty crazy. Rip to Isaiah. I remember what happened like yesterday. *NSYNC’s crazy reminds me of that incident.

[@LacedwithLacey2424]

This man needed to speak. Has he ever spoke out like this before? 😢😢 oh okay, 13 years ago. You could tell he’s bottled this up for years!😢

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

No. Not quite like this. Isaiah’s family have been *very* private.

[@MassiveMouniFlaps]

Even the goddamned adverts won't let the man speak, do you know what I am saying?

[@WickedlyMe328]

He was on the Today show after the shooting with Craig Scott

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

@@WickedlyMe328 that was right after the shooting though. That was 25 years ago.

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

@@WickedlyMe328 I didn’t say it did? I said he’s never spoken out quite like this, and he *hasn’t*. Not one on one and this is an in depth interview about his loss. Learn some internet etiquette before popping off.

[@gloman0]

Rest in peace to his son. May God be with them

[@AshleySpeaks09]

My Texas brother should’ve stayed his azz here with his own. I don’t believe in putting black children in all white spaces. In Colorado of all places where the culture is totally different from Texas. He wanted to move his family out of Houston and give them better opportunities while expanding his music business to Colorado. Long before the massacre his daughters were being sexually harassed and at one point Isaiah wanted to quit football due to racism. His dad told the kids to rise above it. Some evil you can’t rise above. I read a book on Columbine and had nightmares for weeks. Just seeing those boys use a racial slur after blowing his brains out then that poor baby playing dead right next to him. They were great friends. One of his last words was wanting his mother 😢 After the massacre the Shoels began to make waves that it was a hate crime which it was. The other families wanted him to hush for fear of slowing down donations. The family began to be stalked and harassed. One evening they looked outside their home and there were 2 boys in trench coats with guns, he didn’t know if they were real but they were just standing there. By the time the police showed up they were gone. He had to move his wife and daughters who were already grieving to hotels just to get some peace. They moved out of Colorado shortly after burying Isaiah. There was never anything there for them. I think of this family often, especially the mother who I heard became pretty much lifeless after this tragedy. I can only imagine their private thoughts and pain. The media tries to spin Columbine a certain way but that book was eye opening and so detailed. My heart is always with the families who had to watch the massacre while they were going through lawsuits. Tariq Nasheed’s next documentary needs to be on this family and their Columbine experience.

[@gretagregg2606]

Wow 😮 this is an interesting spin on the situation. The father said that he told his son they should leave but the son begged him to let him stay until after he graduated! It’s so obvious this was planned out and when his father said it was a hate crime I automatically knew the other white ones that were slaughtered were the ones that accepted Isaiah and the other minorities. I always knew in the back of my mind this was a hate crime but they glossed it over like those 2 boys were outcast and bullied. Now we know thanks to the father that it was the other way around!

[@NF40375]

What book was it that you read?

[@msaverielle]

Can I get the name of the book?

[@darrenhenderson3]

@@NF40375Was this Cullens book?

[@davidquarrells3312]

They were from Houston? 😳

[@msaverielle]

Thank you for sharing.❤

[@SamuelHendrix-kb8nn]

I remember the Katie Kouric interview he did back in 1999 with the young man that lost his sister ❤️!

[@brandondixon8495]

HE IS speakin the truth

[@brandondixon8495]

Its hard to believe its been 25 years already

[@thomjones44]

Thank you Mr Michael for keeping this "REAL!"

[@nworbydnar]

Of course it was a hate crime. Not a doubt about it. The truth about Columbine is painful.

[@user-qy6gl1hb4v]

Are you gonna do a interview Randy?

[@DallyMcCombs]

Aren't all crimes hate crimes? You don't hurt and certainly don't kill anyone you love or even like.

[@matthaines8136]

Hes done a few podcasts and a few videos on here ​@user-qy6gl1hb4v

[@MassiveMouniFlaps]

Drinking game for every time the gentleman says "y'see what I'm sayin"

[@averagebloke4474]

Don't make this about race. They wanted to blow up the school, that targeted random students. All of the students they killed, they didn't even know at all. It really was not a hate crime at all, and had nothing to do with race.

[@LittleRedMoon16]

I can’t believe the way this family was treated after Columbine. They had every right to sue.

[@justju0rd]

thank you so much for this interview, i was really wondering what he was up to now. bless him so much, him and his wife for what they went through. I wasn’t around when columbine happened, Isaiah’s life time was five years before my own but i did research on Isaiah, and felt so connected and stuck to him ever since. So connected I was excited to see you guys interviewing his father.

[@Renee302976]

Preach 🙏🏽

[@LilJollyJoker]

RIP Isaiah.

[@carrow1057]

The whole world is watching this. We here NEVER EVER think about our kids getting shot at school. We also would never give our kids access to guns.

[@AshleySpeaks09]

And he’s still protecting these people. Prob a bit afraid. The boys were dead and their families were in hiding so who was putting up swastikas in his home? Who was harassing his family? It wasn’t just those 2 boys it was the culture. The hate, elitism, classism and racism was baked into the culture.

[@NF40375]

Where is here?

[@melissachavez8138]

Yes !!!we need to come back together as a village Mr. Mike! May your son Mr. Beautiful RIP❤️‍🩹🥹

[@traceyf4842]

This man speaks truth. I agree with everything he said. I can tell he loves his family. He is a good father. 🤗

[@nworbydnar]

Mr. Shoels: All of the respect to you. Your courage is needed. Just so you know, the Attorney General of Colorado in 1999, Ken Salazar, proved the conspiracy you are mentioning. Your comments about violence are exactly on point.

[@iMelanin]

Wow, the story of his last encounter with his son alive- truly heartwrenching. He knew he were about to transition, it’s crazy. May god continue to bless, and keep this family strong. 😣🙏🏿

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

“Mr Beautiful” 🥺

[@elizabethmarielunacordoba9956]

He looks the same ❤ I am sorry for your loss mike 😢

[@frankoee6755]

The pain in his voice, a historical tragic loss indeed. I remember when this happened this was like the start of 'mass shootings' in America in terms of schools, theatres, malls.... I was a kid when this happened several years younger than these innocent students who perished. I can't forget about the teacher, who also perished in this wicked event. Much respect to Mr. Shoels opinion, I command his strength & time for speaking on that tragic situation. I can't fathom letting, the parents 'Scot-Free' with no accountability though blaming the kids like they were born to h8. Alot of these parents are straight COWARDS 'not all', they teach their h8 of others to their children at an early age. Let me be more frank/clear on this, I'm trying to say they teach their kids to h8 others who are different from them skin, look from birth. R.I.P to the Victims

[@HermanoChosen11321]

JESUS CHRIST IS KING, may he continue to comfort and give peace to the families who lost a loved one. Rest in heaven Isaiah.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I deal with 2 death i lost 2 moms to cancer n certainly not easy. ❤

[@HermanoChosen11321]

@@MsDisneylandlover Call on the name of JESUS CHRIST and he will comfort you and walk with you through it. He will give you peace.

[@punkyspray]

My heart breaks for this amazing father, 😭💔🙏💪👑 I cannot imagine losing my baby and I can see his son was an amazing young man, raised by wonderful parents. All my love and prayers go to them daily.

[@chantelleallen6146]

They took him out especially because he one of the few people of color at that school 🤬

[@Haybug11992]

Bless your family and the other family’s . In my heart ❤️

[@TMc-ue3pe]

OMMMMMGGGG!!! THIS IS HORRIFIC!!! SPEAK DAD SPEAK AND HE IS SO RIGHT ABOUT ALLLLLLLL OF THIS

[@schiarraable]

I still remember her interview on the Today show with Craig Scott it was heartbreaking then and now.

[@gretagregg2606]

RIP Isaiah and blessings to his father and family and all the other families who lost cherished loved ones that day! My grandmother used to say, “There’s always a warning ⚠️ before destruction” let us not let Isaiah young life be in vain but take heed to the warnings and red flags 🚩 that come up and take action! I never knew this was a cautionary tale…

[@LacedwithLacey2424]

Now idk about Eric’s parents. But Dylan’s mom I firmly believe she had no idea. Or she would have put a stop to it. I wish Eric’s parents would speak out, but I can’t imagine. Do I blame them for keeping silent?… no. Not really. I think those two were just out to kill whomever and Isaiah was there so they took full advantage of it. Sickening. But it wasn’t specifically aimed at him. Jmo

[@AshleySpeaks09]

I’ve looked for info on Eric’s parents for years but they are military and disappeared shortly after the massacre. So many of these mass shooters have a military connection.

[@AshleySpeaks09]

Dylan’s mom seems willfully ignorant and lost like many suburban moms. And this is across the racial board. Folks think because life looks good on the outside the rest will work itself out. She knew her parenting sucked when the oldest son got into drugs and they had to put him out. Sue was living in La La Land.

[@colleencrews9739]

Very wise words. A lot of accounts and evidence back all of that up. There's an interview he did in 1999 where he says he's not sure about the Klebolds, but he criticized the Harrises for not looking into the strong gasoline smell in the house. We don't know 100% what they were going through. But both sets of parents put far too much trust in their sons. It's tragic. There are no winners here.

[@carnival3429]

Several times in Sues book she addresses thing that Dylan did and she just sloughed it off as teenage angst. Or he'll be alright once he goes to college. Her son broke into a van and stole electronics, he was caught drinking alcohol(which his drug dealer brother have him), and he graffitied a locker at school. Shouldn’t she have been keeping her eye on him, shouldn’t she have put him into therapy when he did crimes? She didn’t give a heck about him I don’t know why she is so shocked he went on to do this tragedy when she ignored his thuggish behavior and didn’t discipline him. But yeah she totally didn’t know.

[@nelixsulu6201]

I will say this, I think some parents know what they're children are capable of (The Harris's) & some parents are caught off guard (Klebolds)

[@WXSEDY]

It's been said that the inverse of love is hate. So, who do you think would be better at hate than a man who has no love? Not that a hateful man hasn't _been_ loved. After all, we're all loved by someone, but do we always _know it?_ Think about it and maybe you can recognize what the real "disease" is. ...RIP Columbine Souls. You're NOT forgotten!

[@MsShockJ]

Enough with the, Do you forgive!" Stop shoving mics in the faces of (almost ALWAYS) Black grieving victims with this nonsense. Hold yourselves and your families accountable to the problems he exposed. Stop trying to make yourselves feel good.

[@radrew684]

Sorry for your loss but Mr Shoels was speaking truth all the way through the interview; he echoed a lot of my thoughts

[@fishgills5317]

I could listen to Mr. Shoels speak forever. He is so full of strength of wisdom. My heart breaks so much for all the families. I'm so so so sorry this happened. Please know we always pray for you, and we're hurting right along with you. I admire Mr. Shoels' strenth, vigor, and strength!!

[@Sapphinthecage]

Sadly ,it is a plague of hate and violence.

[@brandondixon8495]

Yeah no ethnical group is any more better or superior than another

[@pamrush5078]

Isaiah would been an incredible singer and musician and football player but he was taken away from us far too soon by two heartless boys who had so much hate in their hearts but thank God Rachel Joy Scott tried to reach out to both of them Rest in peace beautiful Rachel and Awesome Isaiah two young people taken too soon

[@jessicahill7390]

Great interview.

[@RapFanatic4ever]

R.I.P. Issah . I love the way this man is able to still keep a smile on his face despite losing his son . Props to you Mr Sholes.

[@Pad1131]

Certainly, he’s very Proud of his beloved father, and, every member, of , his whole family . Congratulations , and , keep it up . Day , after , day , you keep building, something, so powerful . In his name, proudly, I thank you . Peace , be with you !!!

[@tyrabnotbanks]

Preach preacher😩

[@Pad1131]

The reality is , very Tough . Through Unity , with Profound Love , we’ll Heal . The violence is, way, too high , every single, family, has , to see, deeper , that, something has to be done , to protect , every single, child, in this country . Share & Promote Harmony & Love . Through Love and with Love, everything is Possible … Shalom !!!

[@brandondixon8495]

AMEN Brother! Amen

[@Gonk]

That's sad he still hates himself for making the decision to let his son stay at that school for graduation which is what a good parent could do for there child who wanted to be with his friends. Then it turned out badly and he blames himself for it and now stands on the stance that parents shouldn't let the child have any say :( I see why he thinks that and it sucks but I think his decision was a good one mainly for his son, it's not the dads fault that two bloodthirsty evil students decided to kill ppl that day, it's those two kids and their parents fault 100% Watch ur kids

[@msaverielle]

I wonder if he knew he was going to pass.

[@mish0214]

I lost someone to gun violence and I could not imagine losing a child. It’s just seems like the ones taken are always undeserving.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Jesus coming soon

[@WynterSantiaga]

❤🙏

[@Lily-cm3nj]

I'd love to know how the survivors/ families of the Columbine Massacre feel about the recent outcome of the Crumbly Case in Oxford Michigan?

[@cheyennemonk5397]

I know Tom Mauser spoke out about it but I’m not sure if anyone else did

[@lalalalalalwlla]

​@@cheyennemonk5397 Craig Scott also spoke out about it.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I didn't know he other kids n that school

[@brandondixon8495]

It's nice to know that as far as I know most of the victims WERE Christian and that I'll get to see and meet them all in Heaven some day

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Thats with kids n ppl at job smh..dealing certainly hate n problems smh..haters b nepotism smh..

[@MsDisneylandlover]

How he speaks reminds me so much if 2pac

[@davidquarrells3312]

Facts

[@MelodyMecato6156]

That beard though lol

[@AshleySpeaks09]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@zee.jay.]

Is this the right time and place for lame jokes? Grow up and go outside

[@MelodyMecato6156]

@@zee.jay. I like to laugh.

[@AshleySpeaks09]

@@MelodyMecato6156 Mr Shoels prob does too ! I think he would laugh too lol he knows he’s a character.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@brittweasley7184]

I thought he died?

[@aaronanderson8268]

I thought he did too

[@lalalalalalwlla]

​@@aaronanderson8268 Steven Curnow's dad died few years ago so you might have been thinking of him.