KENTUCKY, USA — Parole hearings have begun for a Kentucky man who killed three students and injured five more in a school shooting a quarter century ago, one of the nation's first school massacres.
Michael Carneal, now 39, was a 14-year-old freshman in 1997 when he fired a stolen pistol at a before-school prayer group in the lobby of Heath High School, near Paducah, Kentucky.
He received a life sentence with the opportunity for parole after 25 years, the maximum allowed at the time for someone his age.
14-year-old Nicole Hadley, 17-year-old Jessica James, and 15-year-old Kayce Steger were killed in the shooting.
The injured include Missy Jenkins Smith, who was paralyzed and uses a wheelchair, and Hollan Holm, who was shot in the head. Both of them spoke during the victim testimony portion of the hearing Monday.
Hadley's parents also spoke, saying they want Carneal to serve out his life sentence for what he did.
“He had enough weapons and ammo to hurt several more. I believe the murderer should serve his sentence and never be let out of prison," Hadley's father said.
Her sister, Christina Ellegood, remembered Hadley as being in the top of her class, with plans to attend the University of North Carolina.
Ellegood was also at the school at the time of the shooting, and doesn't want Carneal released.
Holm testified he still gets anxiety at restaurants with his back to the door, and when he hears fireworks or balloons pop.
"The mental and emotional scars I carry are still there," Holm said.
Despite his experiences, Holm said he is open to parole if mental health experts believe it's the appropriate path. He was the only victim out of seven who testified to support parole.
“I’m turning 40 this December, but on December 1, I was a child," Holm said. "Everyone in the lobby, including Michael, was a child.”
Smith also doesn't want Carneal to be granted parole. She said when she was shot, he sentenced her to life in a wheelchair.
“Continuing his life in prison is the only way his victims can feel comfortable without being haunted by the what ifs," she said.
Smith said she worries Carneal is not equipped to handle life outside of prison and could still harm others.
Commonwealth's Attorney Daniel Boaz, the lead prosecutor for the area that includes Paducah, was the county attorney in McCracken County at the time of the shooting.
"We ask he continue to be treated as an adult and that he be denied parole," Boaz said Monday.
In an interview with WHAS11, Ellegood said she's known she would have this chance to speak for nearly 25 years. She also reflected on how the landscape of school safety has changed since the Heath High shooting.
“I feel like we were the guinea pigs for what was done after a shooting," she said.
Ellegood said her fellow classmates returned to school the next day. She said in the years since, communities have learned how to better help students and teachers grieve.
"School was in session, so we went because that’s what they thought was important, and now more people understand you need a break," she said. “Even though we struggled with what we went through, I hope it can help other people.”
Tuesday, Carneal, who is held at the Kentucky State Reformatory in La Grange, will have the chance to speak to the board virtually.
A two-member panel from the parole board will consider the case and could decide to release Carneal or have him serve out his sentence.
If their decision isn't unanimous, the full board will consider Carneal's parole case September 26.
Attorneys with the Department of Public Advocacy drafted a re-entry plan and cover letter for Carneal, submitted to the Parole Board earlier this month. According to the plan, if released, Carneal would live with his parents in Cold Springs, Kentucky and continue receiving mental health treatment.
The plan also reads in part:
"He has made efforts toward rehabilitation; he has worked on bettering himself. There is nothing he can do to change what happened, but he now has the appropriate medical and psychological support that will allow him to be a contributing member of society if given the opportunity."
The next portion of Carneal's hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday via video teleconference.
The hearing is being streamed by the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.
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