Demetrius C. D. Hewlin, a 16-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on February 27, 2012, during the Chardon High School shooting in Chardon, Ohio. Hewlin was one of five students shot by the perpetrator, Thomas Michael "T. J." Lane III, a 17-year-old former student of Chardon High School. The shooting occurred in the morning, and Hewlin was airlifted to the hospital but was pronounced dead the following day.
The motive behind the shooting appeared to be rooted in
personal rivalry, as witnesses reported that Lane had conflicts with some of his victims. Lane was arrested shortly after the incident near his car parked outside the school. He was indicted on three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of aggravated attempted murder, and one count of felonious assault. Due to his age, Lane was initially detained as a juvenile, but a judge later determined he was competent to stand trial as an adult. He ultimately pleaded guilty and received three consecutive life sentences without parole.
In addition to the criminal case, the families of the deceased students, including Hewlin's, filed wrongful death suits against the Chardon School District and Lake Academy Alternative School. The suits were dismissed by the Lake County judge, but the families appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case. The families also filed federal and state wrongful death suits against the Lane family, which were settled in May 2014 for nearly $2.7 million.
Demetrius Hewlin was remembered fondly by his friends and family as a bright and active young man who enjoyed healthy living, bodybuilding, and volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop. His legacy continues to impact the lives of others through organ donation and the memories he left behind.
