MSU settles lawsuits for $15M with families who lost children in Feb. 13 shooting

The three families whose children died in the Feb. 13 mass shooting at Michigan State University have settled with the university for $15 million, a lawyer said Friday, with the family of a Clawson student planning to remember their daughter's legacy through various initiatives, including creating scholarships in her memory.

The $5 million settlement between Alexandria Verner's family and Michigan State University was one of three university officials on Friday said they've settled with the families of children who died during the shooting on campus.

Detroit-based attorney Ven Johnson represents the families of the other two victims, Brian Fraser and Arielle Anderson, and confirmed that the $15 million settlement approved by the Board of Trustees Friday was split evenly between all families.

"Although no amount of money can ever mend the shattered hearts of these parents after suffering the unspeakable loss of their children, we appreciate how MSU has done the right thing under these horrible circumstances," Johnson said. "Our clients remain steadfast in their call for ongoing reform to the safety measures utilized in MSU’s buildings, public buildings across Michigan and throughout the country."

Mount Clemens-based attorney David Femminineo, who held a press conference with Verner's parents and siblings Friday, said the lawsuit was never about blaming MSU.

"Instead, the Verner family has sought answers as to how this could be prevented in the future," Femminineo said.

Verner, 20, was one of three students fatally shot on campus, along with Brian Fraser and Arielle Anderson. Five students also were critically injured.

In June, Verner's family said it intended to sue the East Lansing university and filed notice with the Michigan Court of Claims. Many of the other victims' families also filed in court their intention to sue the university over the shooting.

MSU officials didn't disclose the amount of the settlements or any other details.

"While no amount of compensation can ever replace the loss of a life, we do hope this brings some closure, support, and relief to these impacted families," MSU Trustee Dan Kelly said at Friday's meeting. "The university gives its deepest condolences to each of the three families, and we are committed to ensuring the memory of their child in not forgotten in the Spartan community."

MSU will honor the victim's memories by prioritizing safety and the well-being of the university community, Kelly added.

"The university also remains committed to enhancing safety on campus and providing mental health support to our community as we continue to heal," Kelly said.

Femminineo was joined by Verner's parents, Ted and Nancy, her sister Charlotte and brother TJ, at the news conference. Ted and Nancy Verner said their community of Clawson has rallied around their family over the last 10 months.

"It has been a very difficult 10 months," he said. "I don't know how the four of us are here without the support of Clawson. When we were at our lowest point, they picked us up and took care of us. Nancy and I have been blessed that we have such a tight-knit community and wonderful family. We are indebted to everyone there."

During the conference, Femminineo said he would not comment about settlements with other families who are victims of the Feb. 13 shooting. He added he did not have a timeframe for when the Verner family would receive the settlement money since the university just announced it Friday morning.

He also reiterated the settlement with the Verner family was for them not about assigning blame but for cementing Alex's legacy and making sure something like the Feb. 13 shooting never happens again.

"MSU did the right thing, they stepped up and committed to supporting this family moving forward so the legacy of Alex Verner will never be forgotten and so that she can act as a lightning rod for change to prevent this from ever happening to anyone again, not only on the campus of MSU but anywhere in the state of Michigan," the counselor said.

He said the family plans to preserve her legacy through various initiatives, including scholarships for college-bound students from their hometown of Clawson. The settlement will enable the family to fund scholarships, he said.

Furthermore, the family has been working with the university as it implements changes to policies and security to improve student safety on MSU's campus, he said.

For example, Ted Verner, Alex's father, said he and his wife are on a committee that is studying how the university will repurpose Berkey Hall and how the school can enhance security. He said he and his wife are pushing for legislation that keeps those charged with gun crimes from pleading to lesser charges and being able to possess guns in the future -- something the MSU gunman was able to do.

Verner said he and his family are still trying to heal after her death and thanked the Clawson community.

Nancy Verner said her family has also received a lot of support from across the country.

"We've received comfort blankets, trees have been planted in Alex's name, people have reached out with cards and rosaries, just trying to help us heal," she said, fighting back tears. "A lot of people not just in Claswson, but across the state and country have reached out to us. It's been very helpful and overwhelming."

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez