The Ohio school shooting yesterday that initially saw one student dead and four wounded has claimed another victim, as another of the students shot has succumbed to his injuries.
Yesterday, Superintendent Joe Bergant of Chardon’s High School’s district choked up at a news conference, saying:
“I want people to stay home tomorrow to reflect on their families… and if you haven’t hugged or kissed your kid, do.”
The first victim, identified as Daniel Parmertor, died Monday at the scene. The second, identified as Russell King Jr., 17, was declared brain-dead earlier today, and one of the three wounded students remains in critical condition. One of the other students is in serious condition, and the final surviving student is in stable condition.
Authorities have not named the shooter due to his age, but CNN identifies him as student TJ Lane, who witnesses have described as a “withdrawn” boy. A lawyer the network identifies as representing the Lane family, Bob Farinacci, described his client as remorseful and unaware of the gravity of his actions:
“[He is] very, very scared and extremely remorseful… He is a very confused young man right now. He’s very confused. He is very upset. He’s very distraught… This is a very scary circumstance that I don’t think he could have possibly even foreseen himself in the middle of.”
The lawyer also spoke on behalf of the family of Lane, saying they requested privacy:
“This is something that could never have been predicted… TJ’s family has asked for some privacy while they try to understand how such a tragedy could have occurred and while they mourn this terrible loss for their community.”
It is thought that due to the shooter’s age and the scope of the crime, that he will be tried as an adult.