Jul 20, 2006 11:34 am US/Central
Families Get $1M Settlement From Red Lake Schools
Red Lake, Minn. (AP) ―
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Red Lake Senior High School (File)
CBS
Families of victims in last year's shootings on the Red Lake Indian Reservation have settled a lawsuit against the school district for $1 million.
The settlement was to be distributed among 21 families of shooting victims.
In Philip Sieff, an attorney for the victims' families, called the settlement "best for everyone because it provides these highly deserving families some compensation for their losses and allows the School District to return all of its focus to education."
Arnold Pemberton, chairman of the Red Lake School Board, said he hoped the settlement would be a step toward healing.
"With this settlement the school district and the Red Lake community take a significant step toward healing and our future together, always remembering and respecting the victims and families lost and affected by this tragedy," he said.
Elliot Olsen, an attorney who represents one of the most seriously wounded students, Stephen Cobenais, told The Associated Press the family was "pretty relieved that this aspect of it is over." He said other lawsuits are being considered, but wouldn't specify against whom.
Olsen said how the money will be divided among families hasn't been determined. The amount includes $100,000 set aside for potential other victims who haven't yet come forward, he said.
On March 21, 2005, 16-year-old Jeff Weise killed his grandfather and grandfather's girlfriend on the reservation, then went to the school and killed seven more people before killing himself.
The agreement was subject to court approval.
(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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