Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Career Intelligence
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Interactive Spotlight
    • Photo Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Security NewswireEducation: K-12

Judges Reaffirm: Shooting Victims Can Sue School District

May 22, 2014

Chance Jackson and Brandon Kent, two victims of a school shooting in Martinsville, Indiana, can sue the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville for not doing enough to prevent the March 25, 2011, shooting, WBIW reports.

A panel of judges released its decision Monday to reaffirm a lower court’s decision to allow the families of the two injured boys to sue the district. The families argue that the district knew the gunman, Michael Phelps, was a threat and should have taken more precautions. Jackson’s attorney, Ian Thompson, says that the school’s security plan was carried out poorly in light of the known danger.

The lawsuit alleges that at the time of the shooting, Phelps was not supposed to be on school property, and that the school knew or should have known that he posed a threat to the safety of other students.

Tony Overholt, the attorney for the school district, says anyone can say the school should have done more, adding that governmental agencies are immune from this sort of accusation according to the state legislature, the article says.

Phelps, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.  

KEYWORDS: duty of care school security school shootings security lawsuit

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Iintegration and use of emerging tools

    Future Proof Your Security Career with AI Skills

    AI’s evolution demands security leaders master...
    Career Intelligence
    By: Jerry J. Brennan and Joanne R. Pollock
  • The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report surveys enterprise...
    The Security Benchmark Report
    By: Rachelle Blair-Frasier
  • The Most Influential People in Security 2025

    Security’s Most Influential People in Security 2025

    Security Magazine’s 2025 Most Influential People in...
    Most Influential People in Security
    By: Security Staff
Manage My Account
  • Security Newsletter
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • critical event management
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Why a Unified View Across IT, Continuity, and Security Makes or Breaks Crisis Response

  • Charlotte Star Room
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    In an Uncertain Economy, Security Is a Necessity - Not an Afterthought

  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

Popular Stories

The Lourve

The Lourve Heist: What Was the State of the Museum’s Security?

The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

Office supplies

Security Leaders Share Why 77% Organizations Lose Data Due to Insider Risks

American Airlines

Security Leaders Discuss Cyberattack on American Airlines Subsidiary

Going Down with the Ship

Going Down with the Ship

Top Cybersecurity Leaders

Events

September 18, 2025

Security Under Fire: Insights on Active Shooter Preparedness and Recovery

ON DEMAND: In today’s complex threat environment, active shooter incidents demand swift, coordinated and well-informed responses.

November 17, 2025

SECURITY 500 Conference

This event is designed to provide security executives, government officials and leaders of industry with vital information on how to elevate their programs while allowing attendees to share their strategies and solutions with other security industry executives.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Aurora Shooting Victims Sue Theater Owner over Lack of Security

    See More
  • Chardon, Ohio Families Sue School District over Lack of Security

    See More
  • Newtown Victims Families Sue Gunmaker and Seller

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • school security.jpg

    School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program

  • 150 things.jpg

    The Handbook for School Safety and Security

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing