Ohio High School Shooting Leaves 1 Student Dead and 4 Wounded

Second Student In Ohio School Shooting Dies
February 28, 2012
by Eyder Peralta - NPR

Community members attend a a prayer service for victims of a school shooting at Chardon Assembly of God in Chardon, Ohio on Monday.

A second student has died as a result of injuries he received during yesterday's shooting rampage at a Chardon, Ohio school.

Russell King Jr., 17, was pronounced dead early this morning. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:

"Russell was described by students as a sociable kid who got along well with people.

"Enrolled at both Chardon High School and at the Auburn Career Center in Concord Township, the junior studied technologies of alternative energies like solar and wind power while at the career center.

"Auburn Superintendent Maggie Lynch described Russell as a good student, polite and cooperative. Lynch also characterized Russell as 'a very social kid, quick with a smile.'"

Daniel Parmertor died yesterday from his injuries and three others remain hospitalized.

"We are shocked by this senseless tragedy," Parmertor's family said in a statement according to local station WKYC. "Danny was a bright young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The family is torn by this loss."

The schools at Chardon remain closed today. Our friends at State Impact Ohio report that District Superintendent Joseph Bergant said teachers and staff should stay home and "spend some time reflecting on family."

"If you haven't hugged or kissed your kid in the past couple days, take that time," he said at a news conference yesterday.

Police said that a suspected gunman is in custody.

Update at 11:18 a.m. ET. Suspect To Appear In Court:

The Geauga County Juvenile Court, who identified the suspect as T.J. Lane, says he is scheduled to appear at at a 3:30 p.m. hearing today.

During a press conference, authorities said they had still not established a motive.

Chardon Schools Superintendent Joseph Bergant said schools would reopen on Friday and parents, students and faculty will be invited to attend counseling sessions.

Bergant repeated his missive from yesterday — that everyone should go hug their kids today.

"We're not just any old place, Chardon, this is every place," Bergant said.

Now three boys are dead. So sad!

BBB

And one incredibly screwed up young kid is left bearing both the guilt and the responsibility for his actions, for the rest of his life. It's just a horrible story every way you look at it.

Unless this kid is declared insane, which is unlikely, then he'll probably spend the rest of his life in jail. I don't think even juveniles get off lightly on this type of thing.

And then there are his parents. It's likely they either caused his mental condition, or neglected to protect his mental condition. While it's possible the parents were aware and involved and trying to help him, but it's very unlikely. It's probably an incredibly messed up family from top to bottom.