Virginia Tech releases Cho files

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Virginia Tech killer Cho Seung-Hui repeatedly told counsellors he did not harbour suicidal or homicidal thoughts, newly released health files indicate.

The documents include those that were found last month, two years after Cho killed 32 people at the US university.

The records indicate the therapists found Cho depressed and anxious but saw no evidence he would commit violence.

The medical treatment of 23-year-old Cho, who committed suicide, has been a major issue in the investigation.

The records released on Wednesday cover Cho's dealings with the counselling centre at Virginia Tech - two phone conversations and a subsequent face-to-face session.

They include files discovered last month in the possession of a former employee of the Cook Counseling Center by legal teams of some of the victims' families.

In the records, the counsellors noted that Cho denied thinking about suicide or murder.

Cho met counsellor Sherry Lynch in December 2005 after he was detained in a mental hospital overnight because he had expressed thoughts of suicide.

"He denies suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts. Said the comment he made was a joke. Says he has not reason to harm self and would never do it," Ms Conrad wrote in her evaluation.

She urged him to return for counselling the following term. He was not seen again by the centre.

Treatment

"The absence and belated discovery of these missing files have caused pain, further grief and anxiety for families of the 16 April victims and survivors," a statement by Virginia Tech said.

"With release of these records, Virginia Tech seeks to provide those deeply affected by the horrible events of April 2007 with as much as is known about Cho's interactions with the mental health system 15-16 months priori to the tragedy."

Cho, a South Korean student, targeted students and staff during his rampage at the college in Blacksburg, Virginia. As police moved in, he committed suicide.

Much of the investigation has centred on the events of the day, and how the police, and the staff at Virginia Tech, reacted to the unfolding events.

But some survivors, and families of the victims, say they are more concerned about the treatment Cho received at the counselling centre.

While most of the survivors and relatives of the victims accepted an $11m (£6.6m) settlement from the state in April 2008, two families earlier this year took out a civil suit against the state, the school and its counselling centre.