A civil trial seeking to hold the parents of a former Texas high school student financially liable for a 2018 shooting that left 10 people dead has commenced. The attorney representing victims' families argued that the shooting at Santa Fe High School was premeditated, predictable, and preventable due to the parents' failure to address their son's mental health crisis and restrict his access to firearms.
The lawsuit, filed by family members of seven deceased victims and four wounded individuals, alleges that the parents neglected signs of their son's deteriorating mental state, including depression, social isolation, and concerning online behavior. Despite claims of being unaware of his condition, the parents are accused of overlooking red flags such as missing weapons from their gun cabinet and disturbing social media posts.
During the trial, emotional testimonies from survivors and law enforcement officers shed light on the harrowing events of the shooting, prompting some family members to leave the courtroom in tears. The families are seeking damages of at least $1 million, with the possibility of a higher award from the jury.
The defense contends that the shooter's severe mental illness rendered him incapable of controlling his actions, shifting some blame to an online retailer that sold him ammunition and the school for failing to alert his parents about concerning online activity.
While the trial is expected to last up to three weeks, the families emphasize that their pursuit of accountability is not solely about monetary compensation but about holding individuals responsible for enabling the tragic incident. Similar lawsuits following mass shootings have resulted in significant awards, highlighting the growing trend of seeking legal recourse against those implicated in such tragedies.
