Crime

Ohio School Shooter Charged as Juvenile, Prosecutor Hopes to Soon Charge as Adult

CHARDON (AP) — A teenager was charged Thursday with killing three students in a school shooting, the first step in proceedings that could see him charged as an adult and facing the possibility of life without parole if convicted.

The charges filed in Geauga County juvenile court accuse T.J. Lane, 17, of killing three students and wounding two others in the shooting Monday morning at Chardon High School, about 30 miles east of Cleveland.

He is charged with three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of attempted aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault.

Students say the gunman was chased from a cafeteria by an assistant football coach, Frank Hall, who has been praised as a hero. Hall spoke shortly after the charges were filed and said he wants the victims’ families to know he was with their children and wiped away their tears.

“I don’t know why this happened,” he said. “I only wish I could have done more. I’m not a hero. I’m just a football coach and a study hall teacher.” The emergency responders at the scene were the real heroes, he said.

No motive has been determined. Prosecutor David Joyce has said that victims were selected at random and that Lane is someone “who’s not well.”

Lane’s attorney, Robert Farinacci, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on the charges. A message was left at his office.

Children convicted of juvenile crimes in Ohio are typically behind bars only until they turn 21 in the most serious cases. But Joyce has already said he plans to charge Lane as an adult, meaning he could face life in prison without parole if convicted of similar adult charges.

Minors are not eligible for the death penalty in Ohio, whether they are convicted as juveniles or adults.

Lane, who attends an alternative school for students who haven’t done well in traditional schools, admitted taking a .22-caliber pistol and a knife to Chardon High and firing 10 shots at a group of students sitting at a cafeteria table Monday morning, Joyce said.

Killed were Demetrius Hewlin, 16, Russell King Jr., 17, and Daniel Parmertor, 16. The motive for the shooting is unclear, though Joyce has appeared to rule out theories involving bullying or drug-dealing.

Hewlin attended Chardon High. King and Parmertor were students at a vocational school and were waiting in the Chardon High cafeteria for their daily bus when they were shot.

Parmertor had just gotten his first job at a bowling alley and couldn’t stop talking about how excited he was to pick up his first paycheck later this week, his parents said.

Two other students were wounded. Nick Walczak remains in serious condition. An 18-year-old girl was released from the hospital Tuesday.

Lane was a normal boy who excelled in school and played outside often with his sister, building snow hills and skateboarding, according to Steve Sawczak, a family friend who’s a pastor and has worked with troubled children.

He said he never would have allowed his own grandchildren to play nearby if he thought anything was wrong with Lane.

 

Comments (89)

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  • wuggly ump
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:35pm

    This can’t be real, we passed laws against firearms at schools.

    Report Post » wuggly ump  
    • FLYOVERSTATEIOWA
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:51pm

      just because there are laws…..doesn’t mean they are followed by “crazies”! I hope you were being sarcastic!

      Report Post » FLYOVERSTATEIOWA  
    • sjohn70037
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:01pm

      It’s not real. The Blaze is misleading it’s readers publishing this crap. Ohio state law demands the a sixteen year old be charged first as a juvenile. He will then have to prove in court why he should NOT be tried as an adult. The far lady has yet to sing.

      Report Post » sjohn70037  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:53am

      Just pass a Law… against Nuts!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • Grawpy
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:30pm

    That murderous little puke destroyed three families and irrepairably altered numerous others. Kill him.

    Report Post » Grawpy  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 3:41pm

      One reason I hate Democracy is because it’s “mob rule” I’ll bet you two would be the first to sign up.

      How about “crucify him, crucify him”

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Uranium Wedge
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 3:47pm

      ^Sounds like a great plan ^

      Report Post » Uranium Wedge  
  • little big man
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:24pm

    I new this would happen that’s why I said in a post to tri this kid as an adult make an example out of him find him guilty and put him to death real fast. video tape it and then show this in every school in the country this is what happenes when you do this.

    No more 3 hots and a cot free med bennies for the rest of your life in jail. DEATH is what you get.

    Report Post » little big man  
    • Godfather.1
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:07am

      Apparently you and The Blaze didn’t actually read the article.

      “A teenager was charged Thursday with killing three students in a school shooting, the first step in proceedings that could see him charged as an adult and facing the possibility of life without parole if convicted.”

      “Children convicted of juvenile crimes in Ohio are typically behind bars only until they turn 21 in the most serious cases. But Joyce has already said he plans to charge Lane as an adult, meaning he could face life in prison without parole if convicted of similar adult charges.”

      Seriously, do you Blaze authors actually read the articles you post, or do you just make up a headline that you know will get attention?

      Report Post »  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:01pm

    At 17 you may join the military with a legal guardians consent. This kid is 17…an adult. Everyone here knows it. Are we really going to play the “It was the meds, lack of love from mommy and daddy” etc b.s. game…come on people….every one has an excuse nowadays, well most here do not use an excuse,{except the liberals}…pay the piper son, you should be on death row at 17, not on a shrinks couch crying…coward

    Report Post » Mark0331  
  • tmplarnite
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:57pm

    More political PC stupidity…Burn ‘em!

    Report Post »  
  • hi
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:36pm

    I bet he was on ADD meds or anti-depressants.

    Report Post » hi  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:59pm

      “Lane was a normal boy who excelled in school ”

      I’m confused as to why he was at the alternative school. If it wasn’t because of grades then it was for behavioural problems?

      So like you say then he probably was on meds.

      People might say meds are safe, but outside of the pharmaceutical industry many people are not convinced.

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:11pm

      You will be Judged for your actions – He now will just have his hands slapped – All involved, that made this decision will now have the Blood of those killed on their hands. Don’t think your action, your vote or your belief does not have consequence.

      Report Post » db321  
    • punyhuman
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:24pm

      I remember reading, not long ago about the 14 year old girl who strangled her 9 year old neighbor. They had the 14 year old on anti-depressants, but said they was no evidence the drugs would cause homicidal tendencies. I noticed though that the 9 year old neighbor was dead. The amount of drugs prescribed to kids these days is really frightening. “Prosecutor David Joyce has said that victims were selected at random and that Lane is someone “who’s not well.” ” Drugs, whether prescribed or from the street, cause changes in personality that often result in depression, suicidal or homicidal tendencies, violence, psychotic breaks, delusions or even hallucinations. There are so many different types and combinations available. They don’t come with any guarantees.

      Report Post »  
  • jlemieu1
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:35pm

    They just stated he will be tried as an adult.

    Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:27pm

    Definitely the wrong message to send to other would-be shooters.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • elosogrande
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:21pm

    Disgusting! He’s 18 years old – not a child.

    Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:16pm

    Hang’em high!

    Report Post »  
  • TRVTH
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:10pm

    Really Blaze do we need a crap headline that does not reflect the story?

    Report Post » TRVTH  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:09pm

    A juvenile? WTF?!!!?!

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:16pm

      I agree ..17 is old enough to be held accountable .. not some “little kid” … geez.

      Report Post »  
    • Psytoxic
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:19pm

      Personally I’ve never understood the double standard in regards to the “adult” status. Pick an age and stick with it across the board in every situation.

      Report Post » Psytoxic  
  • Akridgerunner
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:08pm

    So which is it? The title says he will avoid adult court but the article says they plan to charge him as an adult. What? They wait until he’s released at 21 then re charge him as an adult?? Not clear.

    Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:10pm

      I’m confused too.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:15pm

      Looks like that was the earlier story … they wanted to charge him as an adult .. but the court said no .. I think he should be he’s 17 .. he had to know shooting people could cause death! But looks like he will be out by 21 convicted or not. Sad .. for the families of those dead.

      Report Post »  
  • SoundStride
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:05pm

    Guarantee this guy is an Obama supporting liberal POS other wise the MSM would be all over his personal life. And why is he called just T.J Lane? Whats his first and middle name?

    Report Post » SoundStride  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:18pm

      Please don’t turn the cold blooded murder of 3 high school students into a political attack of Obama just yet. At least wait a few weeks.

      Amazes me how many stories somehow come back to political parties and agenda. Each trying to use tragedy to gain a political advantage.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:42pm

      @SoundStride
      There is absolutely no information indicating he was an Obama supporter or for that matter a supporter of anything political, religious etc. To say something like that is just as bad and ignorant as the left & MSM screaming the guy who shot Congresswoman Gifford was a disgruntled right-wing tea party member…yada, yada.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:06pm

      This kid was too young to consider politics or a political philosophy given that he was caught up in his own problems, bullying, loss of girlfriend, meds (?).

      He is both victim & victimizer. I am not implying that someone who is also a victim should not be charge with capital crimes, etc.

      Report Post »  
  • Tickdog
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:04pm

    Dumb.. he killed 3 people and i thought i heard the 4th one died. He knew what he was doing, he knows right from wrong. Give him the chair!

    Report Post » Tickdog  
  • GUYFROMMAINE
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:02pm

    How in the world could any rational person let this boy get even life without parole? He ended the lives of three people and shattered the lives of countless others. And please do not use the excuse that he is insane or a troubled youth. NO DUHHH!!!! Normal thinking people do not randomly take the lives of others. HE DESERVES THE DEATH PENALTY. When will we get back to PUNISHING the criminals and exacting TRUE JUSTICE?

    Report Post »  
    • Mtremblay
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:11pm

      I joined the Navy at 17, but he a killer, is classified as a juvenile. He may get 5 years for killing 3 people because he was picked on…ahh poor baby

      Report Post »  
  • TOPOFTHEGAME
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:00pm

    Sad,,,,Sad,,,, sad what this country is coming too……….. We all have to realize there are some sick people out there. I will NOT pester ANY person now days, that would cause problems with pedestrians, drivers or individuals. We don’t know what their thinking…………..

    Report Post »  
  • Razorhunters
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:57pm

    sheriff joe…forged bc, fraud SS#…

    hmm, seems those crazy birthers were right…

    fun times coming

    Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:55pm

    .
    17 now by the time the trial comes around, he’ll be 21 and a Free Man. What a Country……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • honor007
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:55pm

    Oh! Hell No~
    This Ohio Girl is going on a letter writing campaign. This is beyond scary. Now kids got the message as long as you are 17, you are invicible in a Courtroom of Law. I call ********!

    Report Post » honor007  
  • zorro
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:54pm

    Which is it, Blaze? The headline says this idiot will avoid adult court but the body of the article says they intend to charge them as an adult. Please clarify….

    Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:52pm

    A twenty-two caliber???? He must have got pretty close to his targets. Ahhhh..the joys of public school. If your kid does not get bullied, stabbed, beat up, robbed, raped, discriminated against (if they are white), get addicted to some substance, or brainwashed by a commie public school teacher…..then …they are simply shot by a maniac.

    Report Post »  
    • WeekendAtBernankes
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:03pm

      Well being in a school the maximum distance from any given person is likely well under 100 yards, probably under 50. The .22 is no pellet gun, we’re talking up to 1500 fps at these distances.

      You’d have no trouble pounding a nail through your skull or your chest. What do you think one of these is going to do?

      Sadly, in this case, it’s all too clear.

      Report Post » WeekendAtBernankes  
  • ModerationIsBest
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:52pm

    Wow, just wow.

    Report Post »  
    • zorro
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:56pm

      Now hold on. Don’t just read the headline. The body states he could still be charged as an adult. I’m trying to figure out which is it.

      Report Post »  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:15pm

      From another article

      “Children convicted of juvenile crimes in Ohio are typically behind bars only until they turn 21 in the most serious cases.

      But Joyce has already said he plans to charge Lane as an adult, meaning he could face life in prison without parole if convicted of similar adult charges.”

      Strange.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 6:01pm

      The juvenile charges were to continue to hold him in detention until the adult charges could be done correctly?

      Report Post »  
  • catholicschoolmom
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:43pm

    This is one out a thousand reasons why my child is in a private catholic school and not a public school.

    Report Post » catholicschoolmom  
    • zorro
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:52pm

      Me too. It’s worth the sacrifice.

      Report Post »  
  • tbolt71
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:43pm

    turn up the power and fry the little *****….he will only come out at age 21 as another ocupier

    Report Post »  
    • zorro
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:55pm

      I oppose the death penalty if most cases and perhaps right now it’s just emotion talking but yeah, fry the bastard.

      Report Post »  
    • republic2011
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:00pm

      Amen… Judge him by a jury of his peers, apply the death sentence and get it over with. He’s a maggot. I don’t care what people did to him, he had no right to take three innocent lives. Eye for an eye. It’s the only way. Our legal system, in this area of the law is messed up and only increases the size of prisons. I don’t believe in the whole rehabilitation theory either.

      Report Post »  
    • auntbea
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:02pm

      That may be. And as horrific as his crime is, there’s a reason children should not be tried as adults. Their prefrontal cortex, the command and control center for the brain, is not fully developed at age 16. This case is a tradgedy for everyone involved.

      Report Post »  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:32pm

      Even a 10 year old knows right from wrong. What a 16 year old knows is that they can get away with it because they will not be charged as an “adult”.

      When I was a kid, the same mind-set prevailed. I knew of kids who did crimes such as B&E and robbery and assorted vandalism. They knew it was wrong and even stated, that when they turned 16, they would have to stop because they would be sent to reform school if they got caught. So, they know.

      Report Post »  
    • disgustedAmerican
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:40pm

      Auntbe, I call foul on your post.

      1. without any credentials that you are a psychologist you have no proof

      2. Your math is off. If it is true, the kid is 17 so your argument is moot

      just another PC libby idiot

      Report Post » disgustedAmerican  
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