ROCK HILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) The Rock Hill School District released a statement Thursday afternoon following the deadly shooting that left 5 people dead and one seriously injured Wednesday afternoon at Dr. Robert Lesslie’s home in York County.
In the statement the district says the two grandchildren of Dr. Robert Lesslie and Barbara Lesslie, Adah and Noah attended its language immersion program at Cherry Park Elementary School.
Also in the release below the Rock Hill School District says Phillip Adams’ mother, Mrs. Paden-Adams was a teacher in the district and worked with many students to make a difference in their lives.
According to investigators former NFL and Rock Hill High football player, Phillip Adams shot and killed Dr. Lesslie, his wife Barbara, their two grandchildren and 38 year old James Lewis of Gastonia who was working at the home at the time. Another worker was shot and is still in the hospital for his injuries.
The coroner confirming Phillip Adams was found dead by police after a stand off at a home also on Marshall Road from a self inflicted gunshot.
Release Below:
“The Rock Hill School District and our community are at a loss for words to express our sadness and heartbreak for the tragedy that occurred in our community on Wednesday. The district views itself as an extension of the community, and when families in our care are hurting, we are hurting also. We cannot imagine the grief of the Lesslie, Lewis, and Adams families. Dr. Lesslie was a tremendous human being who cared for innumerable people in his medical career. He and his wife Barbara were pillars of our community. Their beautiful grandchildren, Adah and Noah, were students in our language immersion program at Cherry Park Elementary School. The teachers, staff and classmates of Adah and Noah are hurting and confused, as are many in our community. We may never understand why this has taken place.
We also want to acknowledge and extend our thoughts and prayers to Alonzo Adams and Phyllis Paden-Adams, the parents of Phillip Adams who graduated from Rock Hill High School in 2006. This is tragic for everyone. Mrs. Paden-Adams was once a teacher in our district and worked with many students to make a difference in their lives.
When school resumes next week after spring break, we will have trained counselors available for students and staff to talk with at our schools as we all continue to process this unspeakable tragedy. We will continue to keep our Rock Hill families in our thoughts and prayers.”
