The civil trial in Galveston, Texas involving a lawsuit against the parents of a former Texas high school student accused of negligence in securing weapons used in a 2018 school shooting that killed 10 people was set to begin. Dimitrios Pagourtzis, now 23, was charged with the shooting at Santa Fe High School. The lawsuit seeks at least $1 million in damages from Pagourtzis and his parents for failing to prevent the tragedy. Pagourtzis’ criminal trial has been on hold due to his incompetence to stand trial. The lawsuit alleges that his parents ignored signs of emotional distress and violent fantasies and did not secure the guns he used during the shooting. The trial could last up to three weeks. Family members of the victims have expressed frustration over the delay in the criminal trial, hoping for closure. Lucky Gunner, an online retailer accused of illegally selling ammunition to Pagourtzis, settled their case with the families in 2023. Similar lawsuits have been filed following mass shootings, with some resulting in substantial awards for the victims’ families. In another case, parents were sentenced to prison for their role in a mass school shooting. Overall, the trial highlights the legal repercussions that can ensue against parties involved in mass shootings, including negligence claims against parents of shooters.
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Trial set to commence in lawsuit against parents of accused attacker in Texas school shooting
