‘Gross negligence.’ The review finds systemic failures in the investigation of student deaths

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – An independent investigation found systemic failures by the Montgomery County School District in reviewing the events leading up to the deaths of Serenity Hawley and C Monk III. The review was launched after a parent made a request for an independent investigation.

“I think the investigation has shed light on the gross negligence,” Blacksburg High School parent Wendy Eckenrod-Green said.

In two weeks, Blacksburg High School students will graduate. But not everyone will be present.

“Seeing an empty chair at graduation — that’s heartbreaking,” Eckenrod-Green added.

Serenity Hawley and Croney Monk III were found dead in a parking lot in November. Hawley’s parents say Monk shot their daughter before turning the gun on himself.

“The laws that were put in place to protect students were not followed,” said Eckenrod-Green.

Her son was part of a close friend group with Hawley. Eckenrod-Green says her son brought his concerns about the murder-suicide to the administration, but they were ignored.

“He was fired, and he told me you could tell they didn’t care,” Eckenrod-Green said.

That’s why she started a petition calling for an independent investigation. A student-led protest also took place in January.

“I think the school failed to give Croney the help he needed. I think they failed to intervene. And they failed to monitor his behavior,” said Eckenrod-Green. “And I think they didn’t take Serenity seriously.”

A third-party review was initiated, which included more than 20 interviews and reviews of relevant documents.

The district released a statement last week saying the law firm had identified “outlined systemic deficiencies within the school division related to Title IX compliance, initiation of threat assessments and compliance with law enforcement notices of intent.”

The school board denied a Freedom of Information Act request from WDBJ7 to send us the report. Parents like Eckenrod-Green demand transparency.

“Releasing the report would help heal our community and regain our trust,” Eckenrod-Green added.

She wants those responsible to be held accountable.

“I think every person who had contact with Croney and Serenity needs to be held accountable,” Eckenrod-Green said.

WDBJ7 is working to schedule an interview with Montgomery County Superintendent Bernard Bragen, Jr. I hope to see the report and ask what changes the school district will make in the future.

Below is the full text of the statement from Montgomery Co. Public Schools:

Public statement regarding the investigation into the death of two Blacksburg high school students

On January 30, 2024, the Montgomery County School Board passed a resolution requesting an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the off-campus deaths of two Blacksburg High School students on November 7, 2023. On February 19, 2024, the school board hired the law firm Gentry Locke to conduct the review. The school board requested that Gentry Locke conduct a legal analysis of this matter and provide legal advice and recommendations to the school board to assist it in considering whether or not school officials acted in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, regulations and laws.

During the course of the review, the Gentry Locke team conducted more than 23 interviews with Montgomery County Public Schools staff and members of the Blacksburg High School community. The legal review also evaluated records received from the Blacksburg Police Department, reviewed emails between faculty members and headquarters staff, and collected and reviewed emails between various faculty members and students. The review considered relevant student videos, school policies, student files, and publicly available social media accounts. The information collected was then evaluated to determine compliance with relevant federal and state laws and regulations, as well as relevant policies and procedures.

Respondents were asked about their knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the students’ deaths and the extent of their relationship with the students. School staff were asked about their awareness of school policies regarding harassment, bullying, and Title IX and what training, if any, was provided to faculty, staff, and students in these areas. Interviews also examined employees’ understanding of mandatory reporting requirements under state and federal laws and school policies. Staff were also interviewed about the application of threat assessment policies and procedures and the impact on school services of staff moves and funding cuts prior to the deaths.

After a comprehensive review and legal analysis of the documents received and information obtained from witnesses, Gentry Locke submitted its report to the school board on April 23, 2024, prior to the students’ deaths. The report also outlined systemic deficiencies within the school division related to Title IX compliance, initiation of threat assessments, and compliance with law enforcement memoranda of understanding (MOU). As a result, the report made recommendations regarding the need for additional training to address these concerns. The school board is in the process of evaluating the report and determining what additional action may be necessary.

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