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Workplace Shooting Suspect Teased About Weight

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Jan 12, 2007 4:53 pm US/Eastern

Workplace Shooting Suspect Teased About Weight

INDIANAPOLIS (CBS/AP) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Jason Burnam was apparently teased by co-workers about his weight.
CBS (WISH-TV)

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An obese man accused of shooting and wounding four co-workers at a factory that employs disabled people had complained of being teased about his weight, his mother said.

Judy Burnam said her son, who weighs more than 300 pounds, once tried to commit suicide while he was in high school because of taunting.

Jason Burnam, 24, opened fire Thursday, telling officers he did it "over respect," police said. The four workers had arm and leg wounds. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

Burnam was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said he bought the semiautomatic handgun legally Jan. 5 at a pawn shop but did not have the permit required to carry it outside his home.

Judy Burnam said her son suffered from bipolar disorder and was once diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was taking medication, including Prozac, and was seeing a mental-health counselor, she said.

Federal law does not specifically prohibit mentally ill people from buy guns.