The parents of a 13-year-old who opened fire in an Indiana school in May 2018 responded to a lawsuit filed by a victim’s family by claiming the shooting was “unforeseeable.”
The 13-year-old shooter “knew precisely where the key to the gun safe was located” and his parents “should have taken reasonable steps to prevent [his] access to their firearms, ammunition and other weapons” and steps to “more closely monitor [his] behavior, including his internet and other computer use,” the Whistlers said in the lawsuit.
“[The parents] knew or should have known that [the boy] had unusual and potentially violent propensities,” the Whistler’s complaint added.
“That [he] had a disconcerting attraction to and obsession with firearms and violence; that [he] suffered from mental and psychological disorders; that (he) took pleasure in violence in others and lacked empathy; and that [he] had the capacity to commit violent acts.”
Shooter’s Parents Respond
In their response, the parents of the boy said that they didn’t have any personal responsibility for their son’s actions saying it was caused by him and Noblesville Schools, reported WTHR.The parents asked that if the court orders them to pay the Whistlers any damages, the money should be offset by the amount the victim’s family has already received from insurance, donations, and other places.
The fate of the shooter still isn’t known. He was sentenced to stay in a juvenile detention facility until his 18th birthday or until the Department of Correction considers him rehabilitated, but his parents have requested a trial by jury.
The filing came after the boy’s mother said during the juvenile court hearing in November that neither she nor her husband had any clue regarding their son’s planned attack.
According to experts cited by the outlet, the parents likely won’t face criminal charges but the civil suit could level them with legal consequences.
Hero Teacher Awarded
Jason Seaman, a science teacher at the high school who was credited with stopping the shooter from doing more damage, was honored in December with the “Sagamore of the Wabash” award by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.The award is the state’s highest civilian honor.
“He certainly demonstrated that yet again last May and inspired us all. Quite simply, Jason makes me proud to be a Hoosier.”
Also in December, Seaman was made an honorary captain for the Chicago Bears for a game against the Green Bay Packers.
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