Current:Home > Markets$15M settlement reached with families of 3 killed in Michigan State shooting -BrightFuture Investments
$15M settlement reached with families of 3 killed in Michigan State shooting
View
Date:2025-04-12 09:20:45
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University's board of trustees has approved a $15 million settlement with the families of three students who were killed during a mass shooting on campus earlier this year.
The board announced Friday it unanimously voted on the agreements with the families of sophomores Arielle Anderson and Brian Fraser, and junior Alexandria Verner. MSU did not disclose the terms of the settlement but attorneys for the families confirmed the settlement.
Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents the Anderson and Fraser families, said the university agreed to pay a combined $15 million to the families. Each family will receive $5 million, according to Johnson.
"While no amount of compensation can ever replace the loss of a life, we do hope this brings some closure, support and relief to these impacted families," Trustee Dan Kelly said during Friday's board meeting. "The university gives its deepest condolences to each of the three families, and we are committed to ensuring the memory of their child is not forgotten in the Spartan community."
Anderson, Fraser and Verner were fatally shot on Feb. 13 when a gunman opened fire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union, a popular hub to eat or study. Five other students were wounded in the attack.
The shooter was identified as 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae, who authorities said had once been on probation for a previous gun violation and had a history of mental health struggles. McRae was shot and killed after being confronted by police miles from campus.
Authorities have said McRae had no connection to the university or the victims. In April, authorities announced they found no conclusive motive for the mass shooting.
'Shots and then screaming':In 911 calls, panicked students say they were stuck in rooms amid Las Vegas campus shooting
Family says settlement will continue Alexandria Verner's legacy
David Femminineo, an attorney for the Verner family, announced the agreement Friday and noted the settlement will allow the family to increase Alexandria's scholarship fund and continue her legacy.
“The Verner Family will make it their life’s work to make sure that the legacy of Alex Verner will never be forgotten and that her legacy will act as a lightening rod for change to prevent this from ever happening again," Femminineo said in a statement on social media.
Femminineo added in a news release the Verner family "did not seek to blame MSU for the death of their daughter" but instead, "sought answers as to how this could be prevented in the future.”
Court filing cited 'dangerous' conditions on MSU campus
In a court filing earlier this year that could have led to litigation against MSU, Femminineo cited several factors that created "dangerous or defective" conditions on campus.
The university lacked armed security at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union, as well as metal detectors or security stations to check for weapons, according to the filing. Emergency alerts sent out about the shooting also were delayed or inefficient, and access to buildings were not secured.
Since the incident, several victims who survived the shooting filed notices of intent to sue MSU. Kelly said the university “remains committed to enhancing safety on campus and providing mental health support to our community as we continue to heal.”
Contributing: Sheldon Krause, Lansing State Journal; The Associated Press
Contact Sarah Atwood at [email protected], or follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @sarahmatwood
veryGood! (786)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Bank of America says that widespread service outages have been fully resolved
- Mark Estes and the Montana Boyz Will Be “Looking for Love” in New Show After Kristin Cavallari Split
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs accuser's lawyers ask to withdraw over 'fundamental disagreement'
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Nikki Garcia Gets Restraining Order Against Ex Artem Chigvintsev After Alleged Fight
- Micah Parsons injury update: When will Cowboys star pass rusher return?
- Hurricane Helene brought major damage, spotlighting lack of flood insurance
- Bodycam footage shows high
- 'Nation has your back,' President Biden says to Hurricane Helene victims | The Excerpt
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Teen pleads guilty in shooting death of Southern Miss cornerback MJ Daniels
- Nikki Garcia Gets Restraining Order Against Ex Artem Chigvintsev After Alleged Fight
- TikToker Mr. Prada Charged With Second-Degree Murder After Therapist Was Found Dead
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Uncover the Best Lululemon Finds: $49 Lululemon Align Leggings Instead of $98, $29 Belt Bags & More
- Why Andrew Garfield Doesn't Think He Wants Kids
- Week 5 NFL fantasy running back rankings: Top RB streamers, starts
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Why Jordyn Woods and Boyfriend Karl-Anthony Towns Are Sparking Engagement Rumors
Amazon hiring 250,000 seasonal workers before holiday season: What to know about roles, pay
Halle Bailey and DDG Break Up Less Than a Year After Welcoming Baby Boy
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
A deadly hurricane is the latest disruption for young athletes who already have endured a pandemic
As search for Helene’s victims drags into second week, sheriff says rescuers ‘will not rest’
Lucas Coly, French-American Rapper, Dead at 27