Sol Pais, Florida Teen Wanted Over 'Credible' Columbine Threats, Found Dead

LITTLETON, CO — A Florida high school student who was being hunted by authorities after threatening violence against Denver-area schools was found dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound on Wednesday, according to the FBI.

Sol Pais, 18, was said to have been “infatuated” with the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado. On Monday, just days before the 20th anniversary of the Columbine tragedy, Pais reportedly took a one-way flight from Florida to Denver International Airport.

After landing, police say Pais travelled to Littleton by way of a ride-share service, whereupon she legally purchased a $300 pump-action shotgun and ammunition from a business located near Columbine High School.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Denver County Sheriff’s Office said that Pais had credibly “made threats to commit an act of violence in the Denver metropolitan area.” Immediately thereafter, schools in Jefferson County were placed on lockdown.

The following day, about 150 schools canceled classes and remained closed as authorities undertook a massive manhunt to locate Pais.

Finally, at around 10:50 A.M. on Wednesday, the FBI reported that Pais no longer posed a threat, as her lifeless body had been discovered near the base of Mt. Evans.

According to law-enforcement sources, Pais had died at around 9:54 A.M., as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was also reportedly alone. The sources said tips from local citizens had helped searchers track Pais and ultimately led them to her body.

In the course of the search, authorities disclosed that Pais had lived in Surfside, Florida, and attended Miami Beach High School. Local police in Miami said Pais had posted “deeply disturbed” messages online about her admiration of the Columbine shooters and her “infatuation” with the massacre.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent John Glass announced that classes would resume Thursday with heightened security, and said, "We are relieved that the threat to our schools and community is no longer present. We want to express deep gratitude to our partners in law enforcement, especially the JeffCo sheriff's office for your vigilance in serving as guardians for the community's children.”

Read more: The Denver Channel, Colorado Public Radio