Sheriff Robinson discussed how the gunman had sought revenge on a debate coach who had disciplined him in September. How he had carried a machete and three gasoline bombs. How the entire rampage had lasted just 80 seconds. Then, a reporter asked the gunman’s birth date — a routine detail — and the sheriff paused. He said he wanted to offer an opinion.

“I will tell you that I am no longer inclined nor will I speak his name in public,” he said. “He is someone who victimized an innocent young lady by an act of evil and in my opinion deserves no notoriety and certainly no celebrity. He deserves no recognition.”

As Ms. Davis remains in a coma, law enforcement officials have continued to offer new details about plans by the gunman, Karl Pierson, to cause “the maximum amount of harm.” They say he carried 125 rounds of ammunition, and had scrawled the numbers and letters of five classrooms on his arm. Also on his arm, in permanent ink, was a Latin phrase meaning “the die is cast.”

Despite the urging of some families, few news outlets have excised the names of killers from their coverage. It is one of the most basic facts, and a difficult one to omit as reporters try to unravel questions about the mental health and private anger of these gunmen, and whether they had given any warning signs. (The New York Times has included the names.)