Family of teen who crashed plane given copy of note, doubt suicide theory

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Relatives of a 15-year-old who crashed a stolen plane into a skyscraper earlier this month said a note found in the wreckage suggests to them that he did not want to kill himself.

Charles Bishop's family was recently given a copy of the message, which authorities described as a suicide note after the Jan. 5 crash. Authorities said the one-page note also indicated that Bishop sympathized with Osama bin Laden and supported the Sept. 11 attacks.

Pam Campbell, an attorney representing Bishop's family, said Tuesday the teen's mother, Julia Bishop, does not believe her son committed suicide. The family has also objected to characterizations of the high school freshman as a terrorist sympathizer.

"I can tell you they clearly, after reading the note, do not believe it was a suicide attempt," Campbell said.

Police and the family have declined to disclose the note's full contents.

The Hillsborough County medical examiner's office ruled the death a suicide based on the information it received from law enforcement agencies.