CHARDON, OH (WOIO) –
Grief counselors are on hand as Chardon High School faculty and staff returned to the building for the first time since a student gunman fatally shot three students.
High school faculty and staff reported to Chardon High at 9AM, all Middle School faculty and staff gathered at Chardon United Methodist Church at 9AM and all K-5 faculty and staff reported to Munson Elementary.
The shootings occurred just before the start of classes Monday morning around 7:40AM in the area of the High School’s cafeteria. 17-year-old TJ Lane reportedly opened fire, shooting five students.
During Lane’s shooting rampage, teacher Frank Hall chased the teen away from the building. He later surrendered to innocent bystanders about one hour later.
Three of the shooting victims, 17-year-old Russell King, Jr., 16-year-old Daniel Parmertor and Demetrius Hewlin, all died at MetroHealth Medical Center. The Medical Examiner ruled Tuesday that Parmertor died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a homicide.
At Hillcrest Hospital, 17-year-old Nick Walczak remains in serious condition and 18-year-old Joy Rickers has been released.
Lane is reportedly cooperating with police and made his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon. Wearing a bullet proof vest, Lane was rushed through a back door of the courthouse. Prosecutors said Lane admitted to being the shooter and that he is “not well.”
Tuesday evening, thousands turned out for a vigil at the Church of Saint Mary on North Street in Chardon.
“If one is hurting, we are all hurting, so I came to do whatever I could, pray and support,” said one woman.
“It’s just tragic, I mean, what happened. I feel for the families and everybody that was in that room in the school. It’s just sad that somebody would do something like that.”
Chardon Superintendent Joe Bergant encouraging the tight-knit community of Chardon to stand strong.
“You need to smile. You’ve heard me on a number of occasions, you need to do something kind for somebody. In response to the horrible tragedy that we’ve been through,” Bergant said.
If you would like to donate to the victims families you can do so under the Chardon Healing Fund, at any PNC Bank. The United Way, 209 Center St. Unit “H” in Chardon is accepting donations, too.
Demetrius Hewlin passed away Tuesday morning. His family made the following statement:
“We are very saddened by the loss of our son and others in our Chardon community. Demetrius was a happy young man who loved life and his family and friends. We will miss him very much but we are proud that he will be able to help others through organ donation. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
Family members of Daniel Parmertor released the following statement Monday afternoon:
“We are shocked by this senseless tragedy. Danny was a bright young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The family is torn by this loss. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. “
Russell King’s family released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
“We would like to thank the public for their continued support. We would also like to extend our sympathy to the families of the victims of this senseless tragedy. We ask that Russell be remembered for who he was, a strong boy with a big heart. He will be missed by many. He was so full of life and we are honoring his wishes to help others by donating his organs. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
http://www.19actionnews.com/story/17024182/chardon-high-school-shooting-rampage
Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
