Research of violent behavior spurred by Sandy Hook

Three scientists will help guide research into the origins of violent behavior in the brain thanks to funding by the Avielle Foundation, named for a first-grader killed in the shooting in Newtown, according to the Hartford Courant.

The foundation was started by the parents of Avielle Richman, one of 20 first-graders killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14.

Dr. Jeremy Richman, Avielle's father, said he hopes that examining the brain activity of violent subjects with functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) will answer many questions, including how officials can predict which criminals are likely to commit repeat crimes.

"Specifically, we want to know, 'Why does this keep happening after all these tragedies?'" Richman said. "On Dec. 14, my wife and I lost our daughter, and that was devastating. With the time that's passed, it hasn't gotten any better. I miss her more and more every day."

The foundation announced Monday the members of the advisory board. They are Dr. John Krystal, chief of psychiatry at Yale University, who specializes in treatment for schizophrenia, alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder; Dr. Terrie Moffitt, a Duke University professor researching genetic and environmental risks and their effects on psychiatric disorders; and Dr. James Blair, chief of affective cognitive neuroscience at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Richman said he hopes to reach the foundation's $5 million fundraising goal by the end of the year, and will begin funding research next year.