ONE HEARTBEAT | Chardon High School shooting: 10 years later
This February marks 10 years since the shooting at Chardon High School.
It was a winter morning that changed the Chardon community forever.
As students returned to the classroom early that Monday fresh off the weekend, the unthinkable erupted shortly after sunrise.
This was Chardon High School on Feb. 27, 2012.
Gone, but not forgotten Remembering the lives we lost
Multiple gunshots suddenly rang out around 7:30 a.m. as one student opened fire inside the school’s cafeteria.
Three students lost their lives that day:
- Danny Parmertor: 16 years old
- Demetrius Hewlin: 16 years old
- Russell King Jr.: 17 years old
“I think about Danny every day. Every minute," his mom told 3News six years after the shooting.
Editor's note: Video in the player below was originally published on Feb. 27, 2018.
Three others -- Nick Walczak, Nate Mueller and Joy Rickers -- were also hurt.
Nick was left paralyzed.
You can watch our entire 6 p.m. newscast from that day in the player below, which was anchored by 3News' Russ Mitchell outside of Chardon High School as details continued to evolve:
3News talked with Mueller outside of the school that day as he described how his ear was grazed by a bullet.
“We were just talking like a normal day and then we heard the first shot and that’s when it all started," he explained.
Despite the sadness amid the tragedy, a hero emerged. Chardon coach Frank Hall gained national recognition after he was credited for charging at the shooter and chasing him from the building.
"We need to continue to work hard protecting our schools," Hall told 3News in 2020. "The best way we're stopping these things is by word of mouth, so we need people in there that kids feel comfortable going and talking to."
File photos: Remembering the Chardon High School shooting
One heartbeat Chardon comes together
The community came together in the days that followed with “One Heartbeat” as their slogan.
On Feb. 28, a candlelight vigil was held at a nearby church with hundreds coming to pay their respects.
File photos: Candlelight vigil held after Chardon High School shooting
Students later gathered to show their unbreakable strength by meeting in town square and marching back to the school. Neighbors, parents and friends lined the streets to witness the powerful moment of solidarity.
Paying tribute Where we are 10 years later
As we remember the events of that day 10 years later, 3News is sharing the stories of those who were impacted by the tragedy. You will find those features below.
FULL STORY: Chardon 10 years later: Danny Parmertor's legacy
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FULL STORY: Chardon 10 Years Later: Giving in Danny's name
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FULL STORY: 3News Investigates: Are the kids safe?