15-year-old Hostage Taker At Marinette High School Has Died Of Self Inflicted Wound

Samuel Hengel

Teen who took entire class and a teacher hostage died of a self-inflicted wound, according to police.

By H. Nelson Goodson
November 30, 2010

Marinette, Wisconson - The Marinette High School student who took his entire class and teacher hostage has died before 11:00 a.m. of a self-inflicted wound to the head. He died at 10:44 a.m. on Tuesday at Greenbay St. Vincent's Hospital. Police identified the suspect as Samuel O. Hengel, 15, aka, "Sam" of Porterfield, Wisconsin. Police and school officials during a press conference at noon confirmed Hengel's death and his involvement in the hostage standoff. "He was a clam and good student and I didn't have any problems with him and he did like hunting and other activities. The only unfortunate thing about yesterday, is that we lost a student," said Corry Lambie, Principal of Marinette High School.
Lambie said, he confronted Hengel yesterday in the classroom door while he was armed and Hengel told him to leave.
Police Chief Jeff Skorik says, the incident is still under investigation and that Hengel's motive is still unknown, but the main thing was that all the law enforcement angencies including the FBI did a great job in handling the incident.
Allen Brey, Marinette County District Attorney says, the investigation continues along with the police and they are trying to get the facts first before coming into conclusions. Students are being interviewed and the bulk of interviews will be done today and by next Monday, Chief Skorik will have a full report, says Brey.
Yesterday, Hengel took over his Western Civilization classroom just before 3:30 p.m. and multiple shots were fired inside the class. At 7:40 p.m., Hengel released five students and then at 8:03 p.m. a S.W.A.T. team burst into the classroom after hearing 3 gunshots fired inside. Police saw Hengel standing inside and jumped on him, when Hengel's gun fired injurying him. 
No hostages or the teacher were injured. Hengel who was described as a good student by Principal Lambie has died due to self-inflicted injuries.
The investigation continues, according to Brey.

Related article: Marinette High School Armed Student Suffers Self-inflicted Wound, Hostages Rescued By S.W.A.T. http://bit.ly/emMl2v

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