Wrongful death suit moves to U.S. court
The Autism News | English
CAROLINA FOREST, SC A lawsuit filed by the parents of a 16-year-old student with Asperger’s Syndrome shot to death by a school resource officer will be heard in federal court.
On Sept. 2, the parents of Trevor Varinecz filed suit in Circuit Court for what they claim in court papers was the wrongful death of their son.
Horry County Schools, the Horry County Police Department, Carolina Forest High School, the S.C.Department of Education, former CFHS resource officer Marcus Rhodes and Mary P. Fay have been named as defendants.
According to court records obtained by the Chronicle, the case was moved to federal court on Sept. 30.
A scheduling order signed by U.S. District Judge Terry Wooten says the case is subject to being
called for jury selection and trial on or after Sept. 4, 2012.
On Oct. 16, 2009, Rhodes fatally shot Varinecz after Varinecz attacked Rhodes with a large knife, according to a report issued by the State Law Enforcement Division.
The SLED report concluded that Varineczwas trying to force Rhodes to kill him.
Horry County Solicitor Greg Hembree declined to press charges, saying Rhodes acted in self-defense.
“The use of deadly force in this casewas not only justified, it was essential to protect the students and staff at Carolina Forest aswell as the officer,” Hembree said.
In his response to the Varinecz lawsuit, Rhodes denies the allegations against him. “The actions and conduct of Marcus Rhodes, in his individual and personal capacities, to the extent they occurred as alleged, were objectively reasonable under the circumstances of which he was aware,” the response says.
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brenda says: Having a autistic teenager myself I know first hand that sometiems they think its easier to get out of the world literally than be stuck in a place thast confusing and hurtful to them for they go through things the average teen goes through and other stressful situations such as bullying.
