Texan Jury debates parental blame for Santa Fe School shooter

Texas Jury Deliberates on Holding Santa Fe Shooter's Parents Financially Liable

A Texas jury is expected to resume deliberations this week on whether the parents of the Santa Fe High School shooter should pay damages to victims' families.

The civil lawsuit argues that Dimitrios Pagourtzis' parents, Antonios Pagourtzis and Rose Marie Kosmetatos, are partly responsible for the shooting that killed 10 people and injured 13 others in 2018. Prosecutors seek $1 million+ in damages, blaming the parents for lax gun control and neglect of their son's mental health.

"It was their son, under their roof, with their guns..." - Clint McGuire, victims' attorney

Pagourtzis, aged 17 at the time, fatally shot students and teachers. Charged with capital murder, his criminal case was paused in 2019 due to incompetency. Now 23, he's in a state hospital.

Defense: Parental Blame Game

Lori Laird, the defense attorney, argued that Pagourtzis' mental break and plans were hidden, and guns secured.

"The parents didn't pull the trigger..." - Lori Laird, defense attorney

McGuire countered, revealing Pagourtzis' "Born to Kill" shirt and journal entries about his deadly plans.

The trial, initiated by deceased victims' family members and survivors, saw emotional closing arguments from victims' attorneys.

"We can't send our kids to school and bring them home in body bags." - Clint McGuire

Laird maintained that Pagourtzis' parents had no indication of his plans, presenting "normal" photos. She accused the prosecution of grasping at straws.

This case highlights a key question: can parents be blamed for their kid's heinous crimes? Deliberations continue, with potential financial consequences for Pagourtzis' parents.