Victims

"CENTENNIAL - Karl Pierson, a student who shot 17-year-old Claire Davis, took his own life afterwards on Friday.

His family is speaking up for the first time since the tragedy. Pierson's parents, Barbara and Mark Pierson, released the following statement on Monday:

"We are shattered by the tragic events that took place on Friday at Arapahoe High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with Claire Davis and her family. They, and she, have suffered unimaginably, and we pray for her full recovery. We also pray for the entire Arapahoe High School community, as we know your lives are forever changed by this horrific event.

As parents, we loved our son Karl dearly and we are devastated by what happened Friday. We cannot begin to understand why Karl did what he did. We ask for privacy during this unthinkably difficult time and hope that you will respect our need for time to grieve."

Davis remains in the hospital and is in a coma." From 9News.

If you think you know the private hell these two parents inhabit...you are wrong.

UPDATED: Today we learn that Claire has lost her struggle for life. We are saddened. Tonight is Winter solstice - a time to rejuvenate and let go. Can we - all of us - let go of hatred? Can we set aside violence as a means of settling scores, of asserting our independence?