The man who charged into a fifth grade classroom in Portsmouth, Ohio, and attempted to kill his estranged wife, the teacher of the class, shot himself during a stand-off with police later the same day, on February 7, 2008.

According to reports, William Michael Layne charged into the classroom while class was in session and stabbed Christi Layne, 53, while her students watched. Some students hid in coat closets, under desks, and wherever they could find to hide.
 
Christi Layne is in critical condition in a nearby West Virginia hospital. She had filed for divorce from her husband on January 25, and asked a judge to instate a restraining order. The restraining order mandated that William Layne stay at least 100 yards from her.
 
The SWAT team surrounded the man’s house, and after a two-hour stand off, the man shot himself. Another woman, 22-year-old Stephanie Loop, was stabbed after William Layne left his wife’s classroom, and authorities believe William Layne also is responsible for her stabbing. Loop had just ended her relationship with 56-year-old William Layne after deciding she was too young for a relationship with him. She is also in critical condition.
 
Parents arrived at the school as soon as they received the news, and after the school lock-down was lifted by police, parents were united with their terrified children.
 
 
 
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