Closing arguments in the Santa Fe High School shooting civil trial resumed on Friday, bringing an end to weeks of grueling testimony for the victims and their families. The trial focuses on the parents of Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the admitted shooter, who are being sued by the families of the victims. The plaintiffs allege that Antonios Pagourtzis and Rose Maria Kosmetatos should have secured their family’s guns and sought mental health treatment for their son.
On May 18, 2018, the shooting at Santa Fe High School claimed the lives of eight students and two teachers, while 13 others were wounded. At the time of the tragedy, Pagourtzis was a 17-year-old student. Due to his mental state, the Galveston District Attorney’s Office has deemed him incompetent to stand trial, and he remains in custody at North Texas State Hospital.
During the trial, a psychiatrist who interviewed Pagourtzis testified that he suffered from a range of mental illnesses, including schizoaffective disorder, Tourettes, social anxiety disorder, psychosis, OCD, a probable transvestite disorder, and anorexia (in remission). This testimony paints a disturbing picture of Pagourtzis’s mental state leading up to the shooting.
Witnesses who took the stand also included Pagourtzis’s father and younger sister. Antonios Pagourtzis claimed he was unaware of his son’s mental issues, despite evidence of falling grades, antisocial behavior, and an obsession with weapons. While he denied any responsibility for the shooting, he expressed regret and wished he could have prevented it. He acknowledged the devastation caused by his son’s actions and indicated that he believed his son had destroyed his own life.
Pagourtzis’s younger sister, Vasiliki Gerbsoti, testified that their parents were not abusive and that their upbringing was standard. She stated that she had not noticed any significant changes in her brother’s behavior or personality before the shooting.
As the trial comes to a close, the jury will hear the final instructions and closing statements. The outcome of the trial will determine whether the parents will be held accountable for their alleged negligence in securing firearms and seeking mental health treatment for their son.
It is crucial to recognize the tragic consequences of the Santa Fe High School shooting and the importance of addressing mental health issues. This case highlights the need for increased awareness and early intervention in identifying and treating individuals who may pose a risk to themselves and others. By emphasizing the significance of responsible gun ownership and access to mental health resources, we can work towards preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of our communities.
