Chardon High School Shooting CHARDON, OHIO — Fourteen years after the tragic Chardon High School shooting, the community continues to honor the memory of the young lives cut short and reflect on a day that forever changed this small northeastern Ohio town.
On February 27, 2012, a school shooting at Chardon High School stunned the nation when a 17‑year‑old student opened fire in the school cafeteria. The shooting claimed the lives of three students and left three others wounded, plunging families, classmates and the tight‑knit community into grief.
Remembering the Victims
Brandon Corsaro, 16
Brandon was remembered by friends as a kind and loyal classmate who brightened the lives of those around him. An avid baseball player, he had dreams of continuing in the sport he loved and was described as a natural leader both on and off the field.
Dustin Stafford, 17
Dustin was a beloved older brother and friend, devoted to his family and known for his quick wit and generosity. He had a passion for music and often shared laughs with classmates during school breaks and community events.
Russell King Jr., 17
Russell was remembered as a compassionate and hardworking young man with a warm smile that drew people to him. A dedicated student, he was involved in school activities and valued for his gentle spirit and unwavering loyalty to friends.
Wounded Survivors and Community Impact
Three additional students were wounded that day: T.J. Lane, the perpetrator, later stood trial and was incarcerated. The surviving victims — Marco Herrera, Demetrius Hewlin and D.J. Byrnes — endured physical injuries and emotional trauma, but ultimately became voices of resilience and healing in the years since the tragedy.
In the aftermath, the Chardon community came together to support grieving families, organize vigils and begin the difficult process of healing. Students, teachers and residents worked to turn pain into purpose, fostering programs aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and school safety.
Legacy of Healing
Each year on February 27, the Chardon community holds memorial events, tributes and moments of silence to honor the victims and recognize the courage of those affected. Scholarships and community service initiatives have been established in the names of the young lives lost, designed to uplift future generations and ensure the memories of Brandon, Dustin and Russell continue to inspire.
Local leaders and educators have also emphasized the importance of mental health resources, conflict resolution programs and increased communication between students and school staff in an effort to prevent further tragedies.
Voices of Remembrance
“We remember not just the loss, but the love and unity that followed,” one community member said at a recent memorial service. “We honor the spirits of Brandon, Dustin and Russell by living with compassion, courage and care for one another.”
A Community That Remembers
Fourteen years later, Chardon remains a community shaped by loss — but defined by resilience. The pain of that day endures in memory, but so too does the commitment to healing, understanding and connection.
The legacy of the Chardon High School shooting is not only a reminder of lives tragically taken, but a testament to the strength of a community that continues to support one another, year after year.