Chardon remembers 3 killed by teen 1 year ago

CHARDON, Ohio (AP) — One day after the teen gunman at their northeast Ohio school pleaded guilty, students at Chardon High School marked the anniversary of the deaths of three classmates today with hugs and messages of support from the close-knit community.

"They always need to remember that we're there for each other and if anyone is down, there is a strong community to fall back on," senior Adam Benjamin said before heading to classes at the school east of Cleveland.

The school organized the observance to remember Daniel Parmertor and Demetrius Hewlin, both 16, and Russell King Jr., 17, who were killed in the Feb. 27, 2012, rampage.

T.J. Lane, 18, on Tuesday withdrew a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and pleaded guilty to charges in the case. He could get life in prison when he is sentenced March 19.

Prosecutors say Lane took a .22-caliber pistol and a knife to the school and fired 10 shots at students in the high school cafeteria. Lane was there waiting for a bus to an alternative school he attended.

Lane pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of attempted aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault. Charged as an adult, Lane cannot get the death penalty because he was 17 at the time of the crimes.

"We're just very glad it's not going to trial," said Daniel's father, Bob Parmertor, as he left the courthouse in the rain with family members.