Newtown forges ahead in wake of tragedy
As the second anniversary of the Newtown school shooting arrives today, local officials and others touched by the massacre of 20 children and six educators have been busy on many fronts as the town continues its recovery.
Families that channeled grief into activism are forging ahead with efforts to curb gun violence and improve mental health treatment. The town is reviewing ideas for a permanent memorial and the first construction work has begun on the new Sandy Hook Elementary School to replace the school building that was razed last year. Newtown also acquired and will decide what to do with the home where the shooter lived.
The gunman, Adam Lanza, shot and killed his mother on Dec. 14, 2012, before driving to the school where he gunned down the victims with a semi-automatic rifle before committing suicide.
Here is a look at recent developments in Newtown:
No commemorations
As was the case on the first anniversary of the shooting, Newtown is not holding any public commemoration ceremonies today. First Selectman Pat Llodra and school Superintendent Joseph Erardi say the day will be marked through personal reflection and remembrance.
Memorial planning
A town panel has gathered input from more than 350 people, including survivors, first responders and others touched by the tragedy, on a permanent memorial to honor the victims. The public will be invited to weigh in during forums next year. So far, 18 of the 26 victims' families have gotten involved.
Investigations
A report released last month by Connecticut's Office of the Child Advocate found that Lanza's parents, education team and others missed signs of how deeply troubled he was and opportunities to steer him toward appropriate treatment. However, investigators concluded that the motive for the shootings may never be known.
Victims' families may sue
Parents of more than half the children killed in the shooting have filed papers that lay the groundwork for possible wrongful death lawsuits, but the documents do not indicate who would be sued. The families have declined to comment on their intentions. In Connecticut, the statute of limitations to file civil lawsuits involving actions that cause death is generally two years.
That time limit is three years in other kinds of lawsuits, such as product liability claims against gun makers, for example.
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