Santa Fe High School Shooting Civil Case Highlights Parental Responsibility in Gun Violence
GALVESTON, Texas - The civil prosecution against the parents of the shooter, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, is currently underway in Galveston, six years after the tragic Santa Fe High School shooting that resulted in the deaths of ten and the injuries of thirteen.
In a case that has been referred to as "forgotten" by many due to the absence of a criminal prosecution, this is the first time that victims' families and survivors have had their day in court, to seek accountability and justice.
The families of the victims and some survivors have filed a civil lawsuit against Pagourtzis' parents, as he has been declared incompetent to stand trial. Pagourtzis was 17 years old at the time of the incident. The lawsuit contends that the parents neglected to address their son's mental health issues and failed to secure their firearms properly, which they allege contributed to the tragic events of May 18, 2018.
The attorneys for the victims underscored the guilt of the shooter's parents during the opening statements. They contended that the parents should have been aware of their son's mental health issues and should have implemented measures to safeguard their firearms. "The family’s guns were used in the attack, and there was a gun cabinet in the living room," Zuvanich indicated.
Dimitrios was unemployed, but the plaintiffs emphasized that he could acquire ammunition and other items valued at over $1,700, which were delivered to their residence.
Alternatively, the defense counsel for Pagourtzis's parents attributed the responsibility to the ammunition companies that sold and delivered the firearms and ammunition. They contended that the parents were unaware of their son's actions and that he had concealed his intentions. "They contend that they should not be held responsible for what their son did," according to Zuvanich. The defense also underscored that the companies responsible for the sale and delivery of the ammunition had been previously sued and reached a settlement, which excluded them from the lawsuit.
Although there have been instances in which parents have been held criminally liable for their children's actions in mass shootings, such as the case in Michigan where parents were convicted of involuntary manslaughter, the Pagourtzis family is currently facing a civil trial. "In this case, the families are seeking to hold the parents accountable through civil litigation rather than criminal charges," Zuvanich added.
The trial has the potential to reveal evidence that has been kept under wraps for years as a result of the ongoing criminal proceedings. The families are now able to access certain evidence from the Galveston County District Attorney's office as a result of recent legislation introduced by state lawmaker Mayes Middleton. "Some of this evidence is expected to come to light during the trial, which could provide more context and details about the events leading up to the shooting," Zuvanich indicated.
The families of the victims and survivors are optimistic that this civil case will bring them closer to a sense of closure as the trial progresses. "This is about holding those responsible for their actions accountable and ensuring that something like this never happens again," stated a family member who requested anonymity.
The Santa Fe High School massacre continues to be a painful memory for the community, and the ongoing trial serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of gun violence. In addition to their pursuit of justice, the families aspire to increase awareness of the significance of responsible gun ownership and mental health.
The court's approach to the intricate issues of accountability in mass violence cases is being closely monitored by many, as the trial is still in its early phases. The outcome has the potential to shift the discourse on mental health awareness and firearms safety in the United States by establishing a precedent for future civil lawsuits against the parents of minors involved in comparable tragedies.
