Chardon, Ohio father found dead on anniversary of son's death

CHARDON, Ohio, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The father of a high school student killed in a school shooting was found dead on the second anniversary of the rampage.

Russell King Sr., 48, was found in his bed by a family member at his home in Chardon Township, Ohio, on Thursday morning. Lt. John Hiscox of the Geauga County Sheriff's Department said there was no sign of foul play.

"It's horrible, just horrible,'' Hiscox said. "I feel for the family, and I feel for the community.''

Russell King Jr. was one of three students shot and killed by T.J. Lane at Chardon High School on Feb. 27, 2012. Lane opened fire in the school's cafeteria, killing Daniel Parmetor and Demetrius Hewlin, and wounding three others.

While Geaugua County Prosecutor James Flaiz would not comment on the case, as the investigation is ongoing, he hinted that the senior King's death was related to his son's tragic demise.

"What happened took an enormous toll on all the families,'' Flaiz said. "It hit Mr. King as hard or harder than the others. He was extremely close to his son. Seeing the emotional pain on him concerned me.''

Lane pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of felonious assault. The King family and the families of the other victims had sued Lane's family for the wrongful deaths of their children.

[Cleveland Plain Dealer]