A few weeks after he shot and killed John Klang, his high school principal, Eric Hainstock wrote a letter:
Dear Mrs. Klang
It's me Eric. Im sorry for what happened. When I went to school I did not mean to hurt anyone. I didn't mean to kill or shoot anyone. I'm sorry I took your husband's life. Someone you loved and pland to spend the rest of your life with and to grow old together. If I could go back I would. I would also give my life for your husband and true love to live again. I feels so bad about what happened. I often cry [and] I pray to God every day asking for forgiveness. I also pray for you and the rest of the Klang family and everyone who was affected by this. I don't know how it feels to loss someone close and caring he was to you. I have flash back's to the point whare I throw up. Im so scared of what will happen. Im so sorry. I tell you this with my whole hart. I understand if you want to tear this letter up. This is a place whare I never want to be again. I hope you write back. If you don't I understand. But Im sorry. Im so nervis to write you. I know it will never be the same. Im also sorry to the rest of your family. I was wondering if you could forgive me for what I did. Im sorry and I pray for you.
Sincerely, Eric Hainstock
PS: plese write back.
At the bottom was a drawing of a heart with the words, "Im so sorry."
The letter was confiscated by jail authorities and never sent. But it was read at one of his court appearances, where family members heard it. None has ever tried to contact him.
