David Bridges
The parents of one of the three children tragically killed in last week’s shooting at an elementary school in Oregon have engaged legal representation. Their goal is to thoroughly investigate the safety protocols at Silver Rail Elementary School and to determine how the shooter, 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, obtained his firearm. Five-year-old Rhoam Summer was among the victims, alongside two other children aged 8 and 11, as well as a teacher. A fourth student and another teacher sustained injuries during this horrific event, according to police reports.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Three Children & One Teacher Tragically Killed In Oregon Elementary School Shooting (VIDEOS)
Parents of Victim Hire Legal Team Following Tragic Shooting
Rhoam’s parents, Kelik and Lillian Summer, promptly hired attorneys on Friday to manage media inquiries, as noted by Tim Williams, a personal injury attorney in Bend, who is serving as co-lead counsel for the family. The parents shared a heartfelt statement celebrating their son’s vibrant spirit, describing him as strong and kind, with a passion for rainbows, unicorns, sharks, and dinosaurs.
“He was just 5 years old,” the statement expressed. “He dreamed of visiting the pumpkin patch, learning to ride horses, playing an instrument, and dressing as a bunny for Halloween.”
Significantly, questions arise regarding how the shooter, being a minor, managed to access the firearm, Williams stated. A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation disclosed to The Associated Press that the shooter’s gun was purchased by his mother. This official requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
“We are uncertain if the shooter’s mother met the legal requirements to own a firearm. It is also unclear if the dealer was aware that the gun was intended for a minor,” Williams pointed out, emphasizing the complexities they aim to unravel.
According to Oregon law, a minor is permitted to possess a shotgun, provided it is given by a parent or another adult obtains the parent’s consent for the purchase. The shooter’s mother, Shauntai Nickerson, has not responded to inquiries from The Associated Press. On Friday, Nickerson expressed her remorse, stating that she would have taken action to prevent the tragedy if possible.
In a concerning detail, police reported that John gained entry to the school by firing through locked doors. Authorities confirmed he was not enrolled in the Bend-La Pine district at the time of the incident, although he had previously attended the school as a special needs student.
Legal Investigation Launched After Oregon School Shooting
The attorneys publicly announced their investigation on Saturday (Oct. 17), outlining plans to examine several critical factors. This includes whether the school had an active shooter protocol and how the gunman acquired the 12-gauge pump-action shotgun used in the attack, along with details about its original purchase.
Attorney Williams conveyed their intent to assess the potential liability of the school district. If liability is established, he stated they would seek to “collaborate with the school district to reach a resolution that prioritizes preventing such tragedies in the future.”
School Officials Address Safety Protocols
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook remarked on Friday that the district has made substantial investments in security measures, including surveillance cameras, door locks, fencing, and other safety enhancements.
“We conduct lockdown drills with students and staff twice annually at every school,” Cook assured. “We will thoroughly evaluate our current protocols and identify necessary improvements to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families within our schools.”
In light of the shooting, classes and extracurricular activities were suspended district-wide on Monday and Tuesday. No timeline for reopening Silver Rail Elementary has been provided.
RELATED: Calls on Social Media Demand Arrest of Mother of Oregon School Shooter for Allegedly Purchasing Weapon Used in Attack
Associated Press writer Josh Kelety contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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