Ohio School Shooting Death Toll Rises to 3: Suspect to Be Charged as Adult?

By Brittney R. Villalva, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, February 28, 2012

New reports have just confirmed that a third victim has been pronounced dead in the Ohio school shooting that occurred Monday morning. The first hearing will begin today in juvenile court at 3:30 p.m. Reports state that the gunman is likely to be tried as an adult.

During a press conference that occurred at 11 a.m. Tuesday, officials announced that the suspect being held for the shooting of Daniel Parmertor, Demetrius Hewlin, and Russell King along with two others would appear in juvenile court at 3:30 p.m. for a preliminary hearing.

King, 17, was pronounced brain dead overnight and died early Tuesday morning. Hewlin was the last to be pronounced dead, Tuesday afternoon. Although T.J. Lane has not been officially announced as the shooter, eyewitnesses were quick to confirm the details.

Lane, a student at Lake Academy Alternative School, is currently being held at Portage-Geauga Detention facility where his trial will take place. Lane is likely to be tried for his crimes as an adult, after a third victim was pronounced dead.

Lawyer Bob Farinacci spoke for the Lane family late Monday. He described the 17-year-old boy as "very, very scared and extremely remorseful."

"He is a very confused young man right now," Farinacci told WKYC. "He's very confused. He is very upset. He's very distraught. ... This is a very scary circumstance that I don't think he could have possibly even foreseen himself in the middle of."

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said Tuesday that the case was unlikely to remain in juvenile court.

"I have not talked to the prosecuting attorney, David Joyce, yet, but what we would assume is that this case would be at some point bound over and he would be tried in all likelihood as an adult," DeWine said on CNN.

Previous reports stated that Lane was currently living with his grandparents. Both of Lane's parents have been charged in the past with domestic abuse. Lane's father also served a prison sentence after attempting to suffocate a woman whom he was dating.

SEE VIDEO OF THE OHIO SHOOTER'S ARREST

SEE ARIAL VIDEO OF OHIO SHOOTING AFTERMATH

SEE VIDEO OF AFTER SHOOTING INTERVIEW