St. Louis, Missouri – The St. Louis Public Schools have reached a settlement agreement with the mother of a student who tragically lost her life in a mass shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. Keisha Acres, the mother of 15-year-old Alexzandria Bell, filed a wrongful death lawsuit following the devastating events that also claimed the life of teacher Jean Kuczka in October 2022.
The lawsuit highlighted the immense loss suffered by the families of the victims, with several others also injured in the shooting incident. Prior to the lawsuit being filed, court documents reveal that the school district contested liability and proposed a settlement to address Acres’ grievances. The specifics of the monetary terms in the settlement agreement were not disclosed in publicly available records.
Approval of the settlement hinges on a judge’s decision, with a scheduled hearing set for March 27. Despite attempts to reach the SLPS and Acres’ attorney for comment, no responses have been received, underscoring the sensitivity and complexity of the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the tragic event. The resolution of this case marks a pivotal moment in seeking closure and justice for those affected by the heartbreaking loss at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.
This settlement serves as a step towards accountability and healing for the community, offering some semblance of closure for the families impacted by the senseless act of violence that shook the school and the entire St. Louis area. As legal proceedings continue, the aftermath of the shooting prompts reflection on the importance of ensuring safety and support within educational institutions to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.