In their heartfelt statements, the parents expressed their anguish and the desire for privacy, hoping to shield themselves and their families from further media intrusion and legal battles.
The parents of two children who were among the victims of a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville have submitted declarations to the court
The parents pleaded the denial of Freedom of Information Act requests to release the school shooter’s writings. Erin Kinney, the mother of one of the slain students, expressed her frustration with the media’s tactics, which included intrusive actions such as cold-calling friends and family, parking outside their homes, and even entering churches and her own home without permission. Kinney argued that those seeking the release of the materials were inadvertently granting the shooter “immortality” and failing to protect the surviving victims from encountering sensitive and hateful material related to the tragic event.
Katy and Michael Dieckhaus, parents of Evelyn, the youngest victim, described the devastating impact the loss had on their lives and family. They expressed their hope for a respectful and clear perspective that could contribute to meaningful changes without releasing potentially dangerous information that could inspire similar acts of violence.
Other parents whose children survived the shooting also provided declarations, emphasizing the ongoing emotional, social, and physical trauma their children endure
They voiced concerns about further victimization and the potential for the released material to serve as a guide for future perpetrators.
Meanwhile, petitioners, including The Tennessean newspaper, argue that the documents are public records protected by the First Amendment and the Tennessee Constitution. They contend that the parents, who have been granted intervention rights by Judge I’Ashea L. Myles, lack standing in the case.
The petitioners recently appealed the ruling to allow intervention and requested a stay on the proceedings, pending the appeal’s outcome. However, Judge Myles denied the request, scheduling a “show cause” hearing on July 12 to gather input from all parties involved before making a decision on the release of the shooter’s writings.
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