Jurors in civil case in Santa Fe do not blame shooter's parents

SANTA FE, Texas – Emotions ran high among families affected by the Santa Fe High School shooting when jurors acquitted the shooter's parents, sparking an outcry of outrage among grieving relatives.

Gail McLeod, the mother of Aaron Kyle McLeod, could hardly believe the verdict. “They are not holding the people who should be held accountable even one percent accountable,” she said, calling it a serious lack of justice. Rosie Yanas Stone, whose son Chris Stone was also a victim, also felt overwhelming disappointment, as she had expected a different verdict from the jury.

“The jury saw the same thing we saw. We saw the same evidence and the fact that they were clearly not held accountable is hard to swallow,” Stone said. “I couldn't believe it, but I felt like everything else you say doesn't even matter because you're not holding the people who should be held accountable even one percent accountable, because that's what this is about, accountability,” McLeod added.

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Several parents expressed their belief that the jury had a crucial opportunity to set a precedent in Texas that was ultimately overlooked. “The jury had a chance to make a difference here in the state of Texas. I don't think the jury went into it with the right attitude that they should have. They didn't understand the task. If there's another school shooting and the child gets his parents' guns in his hands, those 10 jurors now have blood on their hands,” Stone said.

Despite the outcome, and despite having to relive the shooting for three weeks in the civil trial, the parents felt it was necessary. “It was a good thing, no matter what the outcome. We are winners because we ended up with more information than we had before the trial.”

Both mothers are involved in the Santa Fe Ten Memorial Foundation, whose goal is to honor the memory of the ten victims. The memorial is intended to serve as a testimony to the lives lost and as a place of remembrance.

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“Yes, this terrible tragedy has occurred. We want you to think about our children every day. We want you to think about them every day you see them and remember to be vigilant,” McLeod said.

When asked what they would say to their sons now that the process is over, the message was one of love and perseverance. “I'm doing my best,” Rosie wanted to tell Chris, emphasizing her ongoing efforts to honor his memory. Gail wished she could express her love for Aaron one more time and vow to work to prevent future tragedies.

The Santa Fe Ten Memorial is intended to honor the lives and memories of the ten people who died, rather than to focus on the tragic event itself. For more information on donations, click here.