ST. LOUIS — The family of a teacher fatally shot during a school attack in 2022 has filed a lawsuit against a prominent health care provider, alleging it failed to inform the school district of alarming threats made by the shooter. The wrongful death suit was filed against BJC Health Systems, its main hospital, and several healthcare professionals on Friday, coinciding with the third anniversary of the tragic incident at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.
Jean Kuczka, a health and physical education teacher, was killed when a gunman opened fire at the school, where she heroically intervened to protect her students. A 15-year-old student, Alexzandria Bell, also lost her life in the shooting, with seven others sustaining injuries during the chaotic event. The shooter, 19-year-old Orlando Harris, was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement. Having graduated from the same school just a year earlier, he had been grappling with mental health issues.
The lawsuit alleges that in the months leading up to the shooting, Harris communicated to multiple mental health providers that he intended to “shoot up my old high school.” According to the family’s attorney, Todd Nissenholtz, the providers failed to relay this critical information to school officials. “This was a preventable tragedy,” Nissenholtz asserted.
One psychiatrist involved in Harris’s care reported that during a treatment session preceding the shooting, he indicated that he had shared his violent thoughts with another mental health professional. Although he characterized them as fleeting, the psychiatrist did not report the threats to authorities. Confidentiality guidelines require providers to disclose information only when there is a clear potential for serious harm, which can complicate decision-making in urgent situations.
However, the lawsuit contends that the threat escalated significantly shortly before the shooting. Documents retrieved from Harris’s car reportedly contain statements indicating a commitment to his violent intentions, including a note that he informed psychiatrists of his plans. Just nine days before the tragedy, his mother reached out to BJC staff to disclose that he had purchased an AR-15 rifle and ammunition, raising alarm about the imminent danger.
Nissenholtz emphasized the importance of addressing such threats assertively, stating, “The greater the danger, the greater the responsibility.” He pointed out that a threat targeting a school filled with children and educators represents a critical situation requiring immediate action.
The Kuczka family is seeking at least $100 million in damages, asserting that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly contributed to the tragic outcome. A spokesperson for BJC Health Systems announced plans to “vigorously contest” the allegations, indicating they believe they acted in accordance with legal and ethical responsibilities.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, the lawsuit highlights the complexities and responsibilities of mental health providers in preventing violence and protecting vulnerable populations.