Police Release Kristiana Coignard’s Suicide Note

LONGVIEW (Staff/AP) — The Longview Police Department has released a suicide note found on 17-year-old Kristiana Coignard, who was fatally shot by police earlier this year. The official autopsy for Coignard revealed she was carrying a “suicide type note” among her belongings when she confronted officers in the police department lobby, according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal.

The note reads:

“1.22.14

“This is no one’s fault but my own. I’ve tried getting help, but it never worked. Things would seem to get better, just to get twice as bad. My mental health is a joke; I don’t deserve to live. You will all be much better off without me. As cliche’ as that sounds, I know it’s true. You all tried so hard to help me…I’m not worth it. I hate myself, every second of every day. Anyone who doesn’t was just fooled into thinking I’m an actual decent human being. I’m not completely sure what’s out there, but I have an idea and I’m not scared. I will be in a better place. I’m so sorry for this and everything else. I deserve to die. I’m mentally ill and so by removing myself from society, I’m doing everyone a favor. This is the right choice. I can’t take it anymore. I’m sorry and I love all of you.

“~ Kristiana Joy Coignard”

The autopsy, performed by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, also reported a “faint brown pentagon mark” on Coignard’s upper abdomen and scarring consistent with prior suicide attempts. There were “clusters of numerous horizontal linear scars, in various stages of healing.” There were also scars, up to one inch long, in the middle of her stomach, as well as scarring on her wrists, legs, and forearms. Coignard did not have synthetic marijuana or alcohol in her bloodstream at the time of the shooting. There is no indication testing was done for other substances, including opiates, such as Hydrocodone, although, Coignard’s parents said after her death she had been seeing a counselor and was “on medication.”

According to the police, on Thursday, January 22, at 6:28 p.m., Coignard entered the police station and picked up the after-hours phone, called public safety communications and asked for help. When asked what she needed, she refused to tell the operator what her problem was. Police officers were dispatched to the lobby a short time later. When Officer Glenn Derr arrived, Coignard indicated to him she had a gun. According to police, the words “I have a gun,” were written on her hand. This resulted in a physical confrontation when Officer Derr attempted to secure Coignard.

During the physical confrontation, Officer Derr determined she had a large butcher knife, which she was attempting to pull out of her waist band. According to the video, Officer Derr was able to to get away from Coignard. At this time, Officer Gene Duffie entered the lobby and drew his taser. When a third officer, identified as Officer Grace Bagley, entered the lobby, she saw Coginard had a knife. As Coignard charged Officer Derr with the knife in a threatening manner, Officer Duffie shot his taser at Coignard, but it had no affect on the teen. Officer Derr then discharged his gun three times and Officer Bagley fired her gun twice.

EMS was called to the scene and Coignard was taken to a local hospital at 6:45 p.m. She was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace James Mathis. The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave as a result of the incident.

The family of Coignard held a press conference with their attorney, Tim Maloney, Monday, February 9, in San Antonio. During the press conference, the family told media members they wanted to bring awareness to mental illness. Coignard was on medication at the time of the shooting and was seeking treatment, according to her parents. She also had “episodes” in the past. All three officers have since returned to the force. An assistant for Coignard’s father’s attorney said he had no comment on the suicide note.