Medical officials in Chardon, Ohio announced Tuesday a second teen has died after being wounded in a shooting Monday morning at Chardon High School. The student has been identified as 17-year-old Russell King Jr. He was airlifted to Cleveland’s MetroHealth Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, but doctors there declared him brain dead.
Officials say 16-year-old Daniel Parmertor was declared dead Monday. Parmertor had also been airlifted to MetroHealth along with King and a third student, Demetrius Hewlin. Hewlin remains in critical condition. Two other students – a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl - are being treated at Hillcrest Hospital. A hospital spokesperson said the boy is in serious condition and the girl is in stable condition.
The gunman has been identified by local media as T.J. Lane, a student at Lake Academy in Willoughby. He was at Chardon High School waiting for a bus to the academy, which teaches at-risk students, when he pulled out a handgun and opened fire in the cafeteria shortly after 7:30 a.m. A lawyer for the teen’s family told WKYC news T.J. was a “good kid” with “pretty impressive” grades.
“He's been doubling up on his classes with the intent of graduating this May. He pretty much sticks to himself but does have some friends and has never been in trouble over anything that we know about," Bob Farinacci told WKYC.
"The family wanted me to convey to the citizens of Geauga County and Northeastern Ohio that the family is devastated by this most recent event," Farinacci said."This is something that could never have been predicted. T.J.'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."
The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
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