I did think about that. And yes he now holds the privilege but because of the circumstances his consent was probably not required for the records to be released to the Herald. Who knows,maybe he gave his consent thinking they would help his defense?
We don’t know whether his parents were informed fully of his meetings with the therapist. I don’t know how it works when the therapist is associated with the school. Is it school policy that parents agree such sessions can be confidential? If so when is it considered alarming enough that such confidentiality is breached? To what degree? Having sharp objects removed would make one assume threats of self harm not fantasies of mass murder.
No doubt his parents believed respecting his privacy was important to establish trust and allow him needed personal growth. Poor fools.
I suspect they were leaked.