Michigan State University trustees have unanimously approved settlements with the families of three students who were killed during a mass shooting on campus earlier this year. The settlements, which were approved on Friday, were made with the families of Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson, and Alexandria Verner. The university did not disclose the specific amounts of the settlements, but an attorney representing Verner's family stated that they would receive $5 million from Michigan State.

Trustee David Kelly expressed the university's condolences to the families and acknowledged that no amount of compensation could ever replace the loss of a life. However, he hoped that the settlements would bring some closure, support, and relief to the families. Kelly also reassured the families that the university was committed to ensuring that the memory of their children was not forgotten in the Spartan community. The shootings occurred on February 13 when Anthony McRae, who had no connection to the victims or the university, opened fire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. McRae killed himself later that night when confronted by the police. Investigators stated in April that they were unable to determine a conclusive motive for the campus shootings.

Attorney Ven Johnson announced that Michigan State University had reached a $15 million settlement with the families of the three slain students. The university's board of trustees approved the settlement, which would be equally divided between the families of Anderson, Fraser, and Verner. He acknowledged that no amount of money could ever mend the shattered hearts of the grieving parents, but appreciated the university's actions in these tragic circumstances.

The shooting had a profound impact on the campus community, with students resorting to desperate measures such as jumping out of windows to escape the horror. The shooter was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. At a news conference, Verner's family attorney, David Femminineo, stated that the Verner family did not seek to blame Michigan State University for their daughter's death. Rather, they wanted answers on how to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ted Verner, Alexandria Verner's father, mentioned that a portion of the settlement money would be used to fund scholarships in his daughter's honor at her former high school in Clawson, Michigan. The university has not provided any comments regarding the settlement or its terms. However, Michigan State University remains committed to enhancing campus safety and providing mental health support to the community as they continue to heal from this tragedy.