Lorain County teen suspected of shooting parents could face adult charges

ELYRIA -- Southwest of Cleveland, the 16-year-old son of a preacher is accused of killing his mother and critically wounding his father.

The Lorain County Sheriff's Office says Daniel Petric is being held in the shooting death of 43-year-old Sue Petric. Her husband, Reverend Marc Petric, was shot in the face and is hospitalized in critical condition.

Monday afternoon, Daniel Petric, faced a juvenile court judge where he was bound over to the Lorain County Common Pleas Court. The move makes it possible for prosecutors to pursue charges in adult court against the teen. Captain Rich Resendez with the sheriff's office says investigators believe the teen is the sole person responsible.

His mother was pronounced dead Saturday at their home in Brighton Township, about 35 miles from Cleveland. Resendez says investigators are not ready to discuss a possible motive for the shootings. But previously investigators had indicated the teen said he had grown tired of arguing with his parents.

At Wellington High School, friends of Danny Petric were shocked by the news.

Said David Gaines, "I've known the kid for about four years and I wouldn't think Danny would do that".

"He seemed like a good kid", said Richard Groot. The student was also Halo 3 video game enthusiast. "Danny didn't seem like someone who would ever do that. You know he was nice. He loved playing Halo 3 online."

However, Reverand Mark Petric, head of the New Life Assembly of God Church, did not want his son playing the violent video game.

Wellington School Superintendent, Victor Cardenzana, said there were no warning signs at school that something might be wrong.

"He didn't stick out like a sore thumb", said Cardenzana. "Petric wasn't a loner. He had a group of friends and was a good student."

Minutes after the shooting, Daniel was pulled over by Wellington Police. On the dash cam video taken by police, Petric can be heard telling the arresting officer that his father pulled the trigger.

"My dad shot my mom", Petric says sobbing.

But detectives quickly determined that it was Daniel who shot his father and his mother.

In fact it was Daniel's sister, Heidi Archer, who made the call to 911, identifying her brother as the shooter.

In Juvenile court today, Daniel said nothing. Petric is facing charges of Murder and Attempted Murder in the double shooting. He returns to court on November 9th.

His grandfather told Channel 3 news, "our family and our Lord have already forgiven Daniel. He has been a loving child."