Parents of Santa Fe High School Shooting Suspect Testify in Civil Trial
The civil trial for the parents of Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the suspect charged in the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, has been ongoing for 13 days in Houston, Texas. Testimony from several families of the 10 people killed, as well as those injured, has shed light on the tragic events that took place when Pagourtzis entered the school and opened fire.
Mother’s Testimony Paints Picture of Normal Childhood
During the trial, Dimitrios Pagourtzis’ mother, Rose Maria Kosmetatos, took the stand to testify about her son’s upbringing. She described him as a smart, normal child who participated in various activities such as football, piano, and karate. Despite becoming more irritable as he grew older, there were no major red flags in his behavior according to his mother.
Concerns and Involvement in Son’s Education
As Pagourtzis progressed through school, his mother noticed a change in his behavior, becoming more withdrawn and uncomfortable around people. Despite these observations, there were no indications that he needed a mental health evaluation during his junior high years. Rose Maria Kosmetatos actively monitored her son’s academic progress and extracurricular activities, showing concern when he struggled with AP classes and skipped tutoring.
Overall, the trial has provided insight into the family dynamics and upbringing of the suspect in the Santa Fe High School shooting. The testimonies from Dimitrios Pagourtzis’ parents will continue to be a key component in determining the accountability and responsibility in this tragic event.
