How the victims' families reacted

Lina Portman3 days ago

0 3 minutes read

Families of the six victims of the Covenant School shooting said they are grateful for a Nashville judge's ruling that documents related to the shooting will not be released at this time.

Chancellor Ashea Myles released her decision Thursday evening.

Following the March shooting, several groups filed lawsuits seeking access to the records. Shortly after, Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church and a group of dozens of Covenant families stepped in to block the release of the records.

They argued, in part, that releasing the documents would expose children, families and other victims of the attack to additional trauma through the gunman's words. They added that the release could also inspire “copycat” crimes.

Myles, writing that she was “mindful of the impact on the parties involved, the precedential value of this decision and the fundamental principles of justice and fairness that guide this Court and preserve our legal system,” largely sided with the families.

Here's what the families of the six victims of the March 27, 2023, Covenant School shooting said following the ruling, in statements released by their attorney.

Dr. Erin Kinney, mother of 9-year-old Will Kinney

“This notice is an important first step in ensuring that the killer cannot harm our babies again. Its importance is even more evident because of the leak of stolen police documents, which violated our parental rights to protect our traumatized and grieving children from documents that could destroy their lives. We are more determined than ever to fight to protect our children and everyone’s children from this murderer.”

Family of Cindy Peak, substitute teacher at The Covenant School

“The past year and a half without Cindy has been difficult. But today, our family feels a sense of relief. To have deprived the killer of some of the notoriety she sought by exposing her vile, unfiltered thoughts to the world is an outcome for which everyone should be grateful. I only wish others, whether they were seeking clicks or profit, had felt the same way before revealing the depths of depravity that existed in the mind of a mass murderer on March 27.”

Family of Mike Hill, custodian at The Covenant School

“Our father found so much joy every day at school with these children. He loved serving them and was always there to protect them. While we still feel the pain of his loss in our lives, this decision helps continue his legacy, as our family, the children of the Alliance, and other communities will be better protected because these ramblings will not be able to inspire future attacks from others consumed by hatred and perceived grievances.”

Family of Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9 years old

“No outcome will ease the pain we carry every day. But this decision will ensure that no further burden is added to our family, and that was a major goal for us. No one should have to live through the nightmare of losing a child to such senseless acts, and we hope that by preventing the rest of this material from seeing the light of day, we will ensure that no other family has to go through this journey.”

Family of Hallie Scruggs, age 9

“Too often in our time, cruelty triumphs over kindness, evil over justice. That was not the case today. Instead, we hope that the pain and suffering we have endured over the past year will not continue to terrorize other families and communities. While we continue to grieve, we are grateful for this outcome.”

Family of Katherine Koonce, Principal of Covenant School

“The Court's decision vindicates our family's desire to see public attention focused on the nobility of loved ones who have tragically passed away and the generous support provided to families who have suffered loss and trauma.”

Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EvanMe A lines.