A jury in Galveston, Texas, has determined that the parents of Dimitrios Pagourtzis, a former student who killed 10 people in a 2018 school shooting near Houston, cannot be held responsible for the tragedy. The victims’ lawsuit sought financial liability from Pagourtzis and his parents for failing to provide proper mental health support and safeguard their guns. While the parents were not held responsible, Dimitrios Pagourtzis was found liable and ordered to pay over $300 million in damages for pain and mental anguish.
Authorities say that Pagourtzis fatally shot eight students and two teachers at Santa Fe High School. He has been charged with capital murder but was declared incompetent to stand trial in 2019 and is currently at a state mental health facility. The verdict has prompted discussions about the need to protect children in schools and at home.
The lawsuit was filed by relatives of the victims, alleging that the parents were unaware of their son’s red flags, including his depression, isolation, and online purchases of weapons and disturbing items. The parents claimed they did not see any warning signs and were shocked by the tragedy. The family kept firearms in a gun safe and display cabinet, and it was debated during the trial how Pagourtzis accessed the weapons.
This case is one of several similar lawsuits filed following mass shootings, with families seeking accountability from those connected to the perpetrators. The outcomes of these legal battles highlight the complexities of assigning responsibility for tragic events and the ongoing debate about gun control and mental health support.
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