Settlement Reached in Minn. High School Killings Case

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit over the fatal shooting of two Rocori High school students in 2003, but still needs court approval.

The families of Aaron Rollins and Seth Bartell had sued the school, its former principal and the parents of Jason McLaughlin.

Under the settlement, approved by the school board, the victims’ families will receive $200,000 from insurance. The self-insured school will pay about $133,000, with the rest coming from the parents’ insurer.

Shamus O’Meara, a lawyer for the district and former Principal Doug Standke, said they didn’t admit liability, and maintained that they acted responsibly.

Jason McLaughlin is not included in the settlement, and claims against him are pending. He was convicted of killing Rollins and Bartell.