The parents of a 13-year-old boy who opened fire in a Noblesville West Middle School classroom say they could not foresee their son’s actions and deny any responsibility for them.
They boy’s parents, Kevin and Sarah Moore, responded to a lawsuit filed in Hamilton County Superior Court 1, brought by the parents of Ella Whistler, seeking damages for her injuries suffered in the May 25 shooting.
According to a report by news gathering partner WISH-TV, the shooter’s parents said they are not personally responsible for the girl’s injuries and that their son and Noblesville Schools may both bear some responsibility. They also say that if the court orders them to pay any damages, they should be offset by the amount the Whistlers have already received from other sources such as insurance and donations.
Cory and Julia Whistler, Ella Whistler’s parents, state in their suit that 13-year-old David Moore shot their daughter, Ella Whistler, and teacher Jason Seaman after entering Noblesville West Middle School with a .22 caliber pistol equipped with a silencer, a .45 caliber pistol and more than 200 rounds of ammunition all belonging to Kevin and Sarah Moore, David Moore’s parents.
Court documents indicate the firearms used by David Moore were kept in a gun safe in a storage closet that David Moore had access to.
The Whistlers allege Kevin Moore and Sarah Moore knew or should have known their son had unusual and potentially violent propensities, disconcerting attraction to and obsession with firearms and violence and that their son suffered from mental and psychological disorders. The suit further alleges that David Moore took pleasure in violence in others and lacked empathy and that he had the capacity to commit violent acts.
The Whistlers feel Kevin Moore and Sarah Moore should have taken reasonable steps to prevent access to their firearms, ammunition and other weapons.
David Moore admitted to the attack during a juvenile court hearing on Nov. 14 and was ordered to be held in a state juvenile detention center until he’s 18 or deemed rehabilitated.
Newly elected Superior Court 1 Judge Mike Casati has not yet set a trial date for the suit.
To see the complete suit filed by Cory and Julia Whistler, click here.
To see the response filed by Kevin and Sarah Moore, click here.