—– Alleged Shooter Spread Hatred, Rants About Atheists In Online Videos (Amber Hunt/The Detroit Free Press; April 13)

Long before Anthony Powell allegedly pulled out a shotgun and killed 20-year-old Asia McGowan and himself at Dearborn’s Henry Ford Community College on Friday, he apparently sparked a following of haters online who dubbed him “a special brand of idiot.”

Powell, 28, known as Tony48219 through his YouTube account, ranted about atheists, the role of women in relationships and his desire to kill himself, reaching a level of menacing vitriol that apparently helped lead to the suspension of his account about a year ago.

He resurfaced a few months ago, based on comments and video postings, only to be banned again. After the shooting, his family said they repeatedly had tried to get him help for long-term depression….

Powell apparently had several online incarnations, including Tony48075, which sparked such outcry that someone added the handle to UrbanDictionary.com as a definition of a racist, sexist “dumbass.”

Meanwhile, via her own YouTube account, McGowan used the forum to post comedy skits and light-hearted videos of her dancing with friends….

In his videos, Powell fervently denounced atheists, calling them “tools of the devil” who are filled with hatred and rage.

“Atheists are the fallen angels of the devil,” he said in one video, as posted on other YouTube accounts because Powell’s own account is no longer available. “They’re evil, they’re hate mongerers, they’re disgusting, they’re filthy animals.”

Later, he said that atheists’ beliefs in evolution are “the funniest comedy ever! I’m laughing!” With that, he laughed maniacally and nearly fell backward.

While Powell’s own videos are no longer available because of his account suspension, many segments are still online because they appear in other YouTube users’ responses to his comments….

In other videos — Powell posted at least 18, based on his suspended account information shown in one of the videos — Powell said that women should stick by and be obedient to their husbands and that he was contemplating suicide.

“There’s no point to me living anymore,” he said in one. “I’m really thinking of killing myself, and I’m pretty much gonna do it, and I’m so scared.”

Then he said he doesn’t have his 9-mm handguns any longer so he would have to use his shotgun, “and that’s not gonna be pretty.”

Police say that Powell used a shotgun when he killed McGowan and himself. One YouTube user said he alerted Detroit police after a suicide message was posted, and he says in an online video that he got a response from Chief James Barren. Detroit police have yet to confirm or deny that assertion.

Powell’s angry discussions about religion prompted the most reaction. In one video, he said that atheists are a “group of people who are mentally retarded. It’s a group of people who’re just stupid.” He called on other Christians to join him in an effort to get atheists’ videos banned from YouTube….

 

—– College Murder: 20-Year-Old Was An Academic All-Star (Jasen Alley/The News-Herald; April 14)

DEARBORN, Michigan: Asia McGowan lit up a room every time she walked into one.

The 20-year-old Ecorse woman loved being on stage and was determined to be successful in front of the camera.

While she entertained crowds during high school and college performances and had plans for a career, her chances of making it big ended Friday afternoon during a deadly altercation at Henry Ford Community College.

McGowan was shot and killed inside Room No. F-111 of the college’s MacKenzie Fine Arts Center.

Anthony Powell, 28, of Detroit used a shotgun to kill McGowan before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide that apparently was planned well in advance, police said.

The two knew one another, but initial reports that they were romantically involved were later dispelled.

In June 2006, McGowan was honored as an academic all-star in The News-Herald Newspapers.

She graduated fifth in her class at Ecorse Community High School with a 3.381 grade point average.

At that time, she said she planned to attend Columbia College to major in theater. She wanted a career in acting, dancing or broadcasting.

Her advice to underclassman was: “Be a leader in all situations. Whatever you decide to do, don’t give up, and remember the real truth of happiness is the acknowledgement of knowing you accomplished something.”

During her high school years, she was a cheerleader and ran track. She also was involved with the Mosaic Youth Theatre in Detroit.

A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Friday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 3936 12th St., Ecorse. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m.

An Asia McGowan Memorial Fund has been established. Donations can be sent to HFCC Foundation, 5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48126. The money will go directly to her family.