Guns Were Secured, Family Says

"Just as a general rule, you aren't responsible for the actions of your kids unless you contribute to them doing it," Horan said. "Knowledge isn't enough. If they had specific knowledge that he's going to kill a police officer, that might present a different question. But I don't think there's any such evidence out there."

Evidence of at least three attempts at obtaining mental health treatment for Kennedy were also found in his house, police search warrant records show. The most recent was in a folder labeled "mood disorder medical documentation dated 4-25-06 from Prince William Hospital," according to the inventory from the Monday night search.

Prince William Hospital officials declined to discuss whether Kennedy was ever there, citing privacy laws.

On April 18, Kennedy voluntarily entered a mental health center, Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Center in Rockville, but broke a window and left later that day. Police found handwritten directions to the center in his home, the search inventory stated.

In mid-February, Kennedy was charged in Fairfax with reckless use of a firearm for accidentally shooting his family's dog, authorities said. He reportedly sought counseling at Woodburn Mental Health Center in Fairfax after that incident, and bills from Woodburn were also found in his home.

Kevin P. Dwyer, former president of the National Association of School Psychologists, said removing weapons from a home is a high priority at the first sign of psychosis in teenagers.

"Kids with disorders are more likely to do things when there's a gun available," Dwyer said. "You've got to get rid of your weapons."

Yesterday, police completed arrangements for a funeral for Armel, scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow at McLean Bible Church. It will be open only to family, friends and law enforcement personnel, the police said in a statement.

Armel is the first Fairfax officer ever killed in a shooting, but she is the fourth Fairfax officer to die in the line of duty. Before Armel, the most recent one was Capt. Tommy F. Bernal, 51, who died in a motorcycle crash while on a training exercise in June 2001. Two other Fairfax officers, Karen Bassford and Sandy Gideonse, also died in crashes.

Police said they had received reports of fraudulent phone solicitations for the Armel family trust fund. No legitimate phone solicitations are being made, Officer Rich Henry said.