PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Two days after a student fatally shot herself inside Valley Forge High School, Parma Heights officials confirmed that she did not intend to harm anyone at the school but herself.
"You had mentioned that there was no indication that this was part of a bigger plot to hurt anyone else. What led you to that conclusion?" asked News 5 Anchor Damon Maloney.
"That is also part of the investigation, and I'm not ready to release that at this time," said Parma Heights Police Chief Steven Greene.
Just after 2 p.m. Monday, Parma Heights and Parma police responded to Valley Forge High School after receiving a report of a gunshot in the school’s cafeteria. A Parma City Schools Safety and Security Officer at the school responded within moments. Parma Heights police said one of their officers reached the school within 90 seconds, entered the cafeteria, located the student, secured the gun and administered first aid alongside members of the Parma Heights Fire Department.
The 18-year-old student was transported to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injury, Parma Heights Police said.
Parma Heights Police said during a Wednesday afternoon press conference that the gun belonged to a family member of the student.
Investigators said part of the investigation includes determining whether the student made online posts idolizing the Columbine High School shooters, who claimed the lives of 12 students and a teacher on April 20, 1999, in Colorado.
"The whole incident is unfortunate and tragic," Greene said. "I can't speak to what goes on in people's minds. Certainly it appears likely that there's a tie to that."
Dr. Scott Hunt, superintendent of the Parma City School District didn't take reporters questions, but said, "At this time, specific details related to this incident including any prior concerns remain part of the active investigation. And as that process continues to completion the district will be conducting a thorough review of all safety and security protocols to identify any areas for strengthening and to ensure that our practices remain as effective as possible."
Watch the full press conference below:
No arrests or charges have been made in connection with what happened, police said.
Parma Heights Police said there is no ongoing threat to schools in the district.
"As for the circulating rumors of an ongoing threat to Valley Forge High School, our department has worked over the past two days and found that there is no evidence to support the concept of any ongoing threat to students or the larger school community," said Det. Sgt. Eric Taylor with the Parma Heights Police Department.
Both Valley Forge High School and Normandy High School have remained closed since Monday. Hunt said the schools will reopen on Friday. State testing scheduled for this week will take place next week.
In the days since, grief has turned into growing concern, with parents and students now demanding changes to school safety in all district buildings.
Many parents say they are struggling to understand how a student was able to bring a firearm into the building and remain inside throughout the school day.
Parma officials said security at the school is top of mind.
"I think it's very important going forward to have a discussion with our legislators on how we bring funding to the schools for additional safety because it's extremely expensive, and focus on keeping our students safe," Parma Heights Mayor Marie Gallo said.
On the issue of metal detectors Greene said, "Metal detectors and any other suggestions or comments that have been made are all part of our review of this incident and any incident moving forward. We'll discuss that, and we'll discuss that with our partners, to see if this is a viable solution or what other solutions we should pursue, and certainly train with."
Once students return to school on Friday, Hunt said there will be an increased staff and security presence, along with access to mental health services for students and staff.
"I would remind everyone, parents, students, community members, if you see something, say something," Hunt said. "We can't intervene if we don't know if there is a crisis happening."
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or needs mental health resources, you can call 988 anytime, day or night and speak with someone. You can find more resources to help by CLICKING THIS LINK.
