T.J. Lane’s aunt spoke out in response to the Chardon High School Feb. 27 shooting that left three students dead and two others injured. Lane is charged three counts of aggravated murder.
“I can share that we are all shocked and horrified by the actions of T.J.,” his aunt, Heather Lane, said in an email to New-Herald in Willoughby.
“Our hearts and prayers remain with the parents and families of Daniel Parmertor, Russell King Jr. and Demetrius Hewlin. Their deaths have left our family grief-stricken,” she wrote. “As we all search for the answers, our family continues to work with law enforcement officials. We wish we could offer some answers concerning this horrific act. We have none.”
She said the family knows Lane as “a son, brother, nephew, cousin and grandson.” She added: “While we are devastated by his acts, we offer him our unconditional love.”
Reade email in its entirety below:
Heather Lane, T.J.’s aunt, this week via email, said her family wished to release the following statement about the Feb. 27 tragedy:
“I can share that we are all shocked and horrified by the actions of T.J. Our hearts and prayers remain with the parents and families of Daniel Parmertor, Russell King Jr. and Demetrius Hewlin. Their deaths have left our family grief-stricken.
“Our family continues to pray for the full recovery of Nick Walczak and Joy Rickers. May God be with all of you during this horrendous time.
“We are issuing this statement in response to the many media outlets that have asked us to comment, but we have waited to release a statement … out of respect for the families as they held funeral services. During that time we wanted the community’s attention, concern and prayers to be with the innocent victims of this tragedy. Their deaths have left a hole in the hearts of, not only their immediate families, but also our entire community.
“As we all search for the answers, our family continues to work with law enforcement officials. We wish we could offer some answers concerning this horrific act. We have none. I wish we had more to offer.
“Our entire family would like to thank the community members who have reached out and offered prayers and support to us. You are the reason Chardon is such an incredible community to be part of. Your love has meant more than you can know.
“Please know that we are deeply grieved by T.J.’s acts. We know him as a son, brother, nephew, cousin and grandson. While we are devastated by his acts, we offer him our unconditional love.”
