Cassie René Bernall was a student in the United States who lost her life during the shooting at Columbine High School. In the aftermath, she became famous for the widely circulated story that she had been martyred after answering “Yes” when one of the shooters, Eric Harris, asked if she believed in God. This account sparked significant debate, as multiple witnesses-including survivor Valeen Schnurr-stated that it was actually Schnurr who was questioned. Another witness, Joshua Lapp, suggested that the shooters questioned several people and that their answers did not necessarily determine whether they were spared. Despite statements from investigators and Emily Wyant (who was with Cassie under a table when she died) confirming the question was never posed to her, Cassie’s mother, Misty Bernall, published the story in her book, She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall. Her family has continued to maintain the validity of the account. Even with these contradictory reports, the narrative of Cassie’s death as an act of Christian martyrdom remains a powerful source of inspiration for many people worldwide.
Childhood & Early Life
Cassie René Bernall was born on November 6, 1981, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to Misty and Brad Bernall. She was raised alongside her brother, Chris. During her early teenage years, Cassie struggled with substance abuse and a rebellious attitude, eventually developing suicidal thoughts. Her parents, upon discovering letters Cassie had written to a friend discussing plans to kill her parents and herself, decided to enroll her in Columbine High School for a fresh start.
About 18 months before her death, Cassie attended a weekend church retreat and returned home profoundly changed. Her father described the transformation as getting their daughter back. Following this shift, she became deeply involved in Bible study and youth programs. Outside of her faith, she enjoyed rock climbing in Breckenridge and was affectionately nicknamed “Bunny Rabbit” by her parents.
The Columbine High School Massacre & Cassie’s Death
On April 20, 1999, twelfth-grade students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold carried out a violent attack at Columbine High School, killing 12 students and one teacher and wounding 24 others before taking their own lives. At the time, it was the deadliest high school shooting in American history.
Cassie was among the victims killed in the school library. Her friend, Emily Wyant, witnessed the event as they hid under the same table. According to Wyant, Harris slammed his hand on their table and said “peek-a-boo” before fatally shooting Cassie in the head. She died instantly. Her family learned of her passing two days later. At her funeral, held in Golden, Colorado, she was placed in a white coffin that attendees signed, and her pastor characterized the service as a “marriage to Jesus Christ.”
Cassie as a Christian Martyr & Controversy Surrounding It
For a long time, the public believed Cassie had been martyred after a shooter asked, “Do you believe in God?” and she replied, “Yes.” This narrative originated partly from student Craig Scott, who heard such an exchange while hiding. However, when investigators later walked Scott through the library, he pointed to the area where student Valeen Schnurr had been lying wounded, rather than the table where Cassie had been killed.
Schnurr later confirmed that after she was shot, Dylan Klebold approached her. When she cried out to God, he asked if she believed in Him. She replied that she did because of her upbringing. Klebold reloaded his weapon but ultimately did not shoot her again. Another witness, Joshua Lapp, noted that the gunmen asked several people about their faith, but the answers did not appear to dictate who was targeted. Despite the conflicting evidence, the story of Cassie’s “Yes” was widely publicized and inspired songs by artists like Michael W. Smith and the band Flyleaf. As recently as 2015, the story was cited in political debates as a symbol of unwavering faith.
Memoir by Misty Bernall
Four months after the tragedy, Cassie’s mother, Misty, published a memoir titled She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall. The book, which became a New York Times bestseller, detailed Cassie’s troubled adolescence, her eventual spiritual devotion, and the family’s journey through grief.
Although investigators and Emily Wyant had informed the Bernall family that the exchange about God did not happen to Cassie, Misty included the account in the book. The family released a statement defending the memoir’s accuracy, claiming they had spoken with four witnesses who supported their version of events. Ultimately, the book encourages readers to reach their own conclusions regarding the events of that day.