Gunman's parents don't object to seal

The parents of gunman Eric Harris do not object to a judge's proposal to keep secret for 25 years the sworn statements they made in a civil lawsuit over the Columbine High School massacre, their attorney said Wednesday.

The suit filed by families of Columbine victims was settled more than three years ago, and a magistrate ordered the statements from Wayne and Katherine Harris and the parents of the second gunman, Dylan Klebold, destroyed.

Victims' families and others objected, saying the depositions have historical value and could help prevent future school shootings.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock proposed the seal, with the statements going to the National Archives and Records Administration. It wasn't immediately clear what would happen after the seal expires.

Depending on the final details, Wayne and Katherine Harris do not oppose storing the depositions under seal "in order to bring closure to this matter," their attorney, Michael Montgomery, said Wednesday in a court filing.

The Klebolds and families of Columbine victims have until Feb. 16 to respond to Babcock's proposal.

Harris and Klebold killed 12 fellow students and a teacher before taking their own lives in the April 20, 1999, shooting in Littleton, Colo.