Ohio School Shooting Suspect Chose Random Victims, Authorities Say

The deadly school shooting in Ohio initially left one dead and four wounded, but two of the students who had initially survived the spree shooting died today of their injuries.

Daniel Parmertor, 16, died on the scene at Chardon High School and two classmates, Russell King Jr., 17, and Demetrius Hewlin, 16, succumbed to their wounds today at MetroHealth Medical Center. All three boys were juniors, and the shooter has been identified as classmate TJ Lane, who attended the nearby Auburn Career Center with the victims. And while cases of school or workplace shootings generally are thought to involve bullying or other perceived insults as a motive, authorities indicate that Lane has said that the victims were chosen at random.

However, some sources say that Lane actually warned friends of the shootings days before actually pulling the trigger, cautioning friends about the impending violence. CBS cites bullying as a factor in the killings, contrary to what reports indicate Lane has told investigators. At a news conference after a hearing today in which prosecutors were given until March 15th to charge Lane, prosecutor David Joyce said:

“This is not about bullying… This is someone who is not well. [Lane] confessed to taking the pistol and admitted he went into the cafeteria and shot 10 rounds. [He said he] did not know the students, but chose them randomly.”

Lane is being held in juvenile detention until charges are brought. The family of Hewlin released a statement after his death, saying:

“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.”

Flags throughout Ohio are being flown at half mast in remembrance of the victims.