Evan Ramsey told the ABC News program "Nightline" that he told two friends in Bethel, Alaska, about his plans. Instead of discouraging him, they suggested names of targets.

He also said that in 1997, when he was 16, he did not realize death was permanent.

"I honestly believed that if you shoot somebody, that they would get back up," he said.

"Nightline," in a program to be broadcast Wednesday, examines school shootings and the role of bystanders. Experts say that 81 percent of students who become shooters have told someone of their plans but only 4 percent of those told report the danger.

Betina Lynn tells "Nightline" that she overheard Kip Kinkel, a student in Springfield, Ore., talking about his "hit list." But she said she did not think anyone would believe her if she reported his words. A few days later, Kinkel killed his parents and two students, wounding 25 others.