TJ Lane is Remorseless Teen Evil 

To this day, I'm pretty sure my dad stopped a school shooter before he could enact what he was going to do. My dad was a teacher, and this kid had been acting weird for a couple days, and my dad pulled him into his classroom. He sat with the kid and offered to help with his homework and just talked to the kid. I even spoke to him when I was there to help my dad move something. The kid told my dad about things happening in his house, and that he had no outlet, but talking to my dad helped. After he graduated, he walked up to my dad and told him that he'd been planning to do something horrible, but that my dad bringing him into his classroom every day helped him. Last I heard, dude was running his own landscaping business.

Mike trying not to smile when he's building up to his joke: "the turd" 😂

Mike, i want you to know that your videos were the first i watched when i woke up in the hospital after a suicide attempt. i’d known how you ended each video, but that first one i watched, hearing your “i love you”, it was like i had only just heard it for the first time. i needed that, so so badly. thank you, Mike. here’s to almost 2 whole months of being alive 🖤

The way I grabbed my chest and gasped when he had the AUDACITY to look that parent in the eye and say those words to them! How disgustingly evil

“His cause of death was an overdose but he really died of a broken heart” damn that hit right there

Couldn’t the judge have made him change his shirt? That just seems WAAAAY over the limit of what those family members should be expected to face in court.

Him escaping shows one thing.... he's not happy where he is which makes me very happy indeed.

The one thing that brings me comfort in this case is knowing that he is in a tiny cell somewhere with his every move monitored and controlled, and every day that goes by he is thought of less and less. He matters less and less. He took innocent lives, but they died just that; innocent, and loved, and remembered reverently. And he’s going to spend the rest of his life forgotten and alone.

His whole 'act' in the courtroom is transparent af - you know he was crying himself to sleep every night

"I'd also say he ruined his own, but who cares." Standing ovation.

That smirk gets knocked off their pretty young faces quickly when they meet the grown dogs in a real prison.

I remember reading about this story when he broke out when I was in college. I fancy myself as someone who is against torture, but I think I could find it in my heart to make an exception for this guy. However much he suffers, it’ll never be enough.

The dad overdosing just kills my heart. Sad what a monster like that can do in the wake of his crime.

He really is evil, the amused smile he wore in court while these poor family's were suffering is awful! Thank for sharing this story and highlighting the heroes of that day while being compassionate to the victims.

Oh wow this is so neat to see. When I was 17 I was in the same juvenile detention center with him. They had him in an isolation cell most of the time but he was allowed into the main pod at night to watch an hour of tv (we were already in our cells by then). This was in late august - early September 2012. You could tell by looking at him that he was some type of disturbed. I always got an eerie feeling on the rare occasion when we would pass by him in the hallway. so cool to see a video about him on one of my favorite channels!

I didn't know anything about this case, but I remember the video of the horrible thing he said to the grieving families because it was being circled around the internet for a while. I could hardly believe it was real. All my love and condolences to the families who lost their children, and to the students who were affected by what this monster did

As a high school teacher stories like this frighten me deeply. The fact that these events happen as often as they do is troubling. The fact that schools are place where you have to worry about getting shot is just messed up.

I can't believe that the judge didn't make him cover that shirt immediately. I am astounded that the judge allowed him to wear that in the court room. That judge had authority and power to stop that display immediately. Very disappointing!

9:02 'but it's also terrifying that a teacher would have a bullet proof with him at school' -- welcome to 'Merica, land of the 'free'

It still amazes me how certain people get arrested so peacefully after committing horrific acts.

I have never wanted to jump through a screen, and take someone out, so bad as I did, when he gave the finger to the family, of those lives he took. Oh so many will disagree with me, but that pos monster, does not deserve to be breathing. Thank you Mike for covering this tragic story. I truly hope the family can find strength, and the ones taken to soon, are resting in peace.

I fucking lost it when you said the father died of a broken heart. That poor family did nothing to deserve this 😢 My heart goes out to all the families affected

No kid ever wants to sit alone ,eat alone in a sea full of laughing children. I think other kid's need to be conscious of going out of their way to show kindness to others and I'm not talking about this in particular just being general because you don't know what a gesture that seemingly small could change in another person.

When you mentioned one of the victims’ father creating a foundation and traveling to try and prevent school shootings like this (or at least reduce it), it made me angry and sad to think about how NOTHING has changed in America since then and in fact, the school shootings have gotten much worse and more frequent.

I haven’t watched the video yet, but I was shocked to see Mike cover this. I didn’t think anyone would. I went to Chardon High my last two years of high school. I remember seeing the boys around the school, the three that were murdered and the fourth that has permanent paralysis due to being shot. Still can’t believe it happened at my high school. And that it’s been ten years. Rest In Peace, Demetrius, Daniel and Russell. And I hope Nick is doing well. And thank you Mike for covering this.

“They say he died of an OD, but he really died of a broken heart.” 💔 that did me in.

A teacher having a bulletproof vest on deck is the saddest thing I’ve heard in a long time… but if I was a teacher I’d have one too.

Great story teller!! I love your channel. Storytelling is kind of a lost art. I am glad you are helping to bring it back. Thanks

The way he acted in court was just so atrocious. What already was a horrific incident, that just was the shit icing on the shit cake. Thank you for your tasteful and detailed videos. I honestly don’t have any words, I hope that everyone has received the help that they needed.

I'm more interested in how he got that way and how we prevent it. We're never gonna solve jack if we just chuck everything up to "evil."

17:34 Nope! My ass would be in prison for the rest of my life had he taken my son and grinned at me like that! I’d have flown over the tables and found something sharp to end that monster. I am just unbelievably shattered for these families. 😡💔

His whole demeanor in court is his best attempt to protect his ego now that he's got nothing left. At least he's getting raw dogged in a super max now

I had family in the cafeteria that day, I'll never forget that morning. I'm always torn when different sources tell this story, putting his name in the title gives him the attention he was looking for. But at the same time I understand the desire to tell the story. I think you told it well, very detailed and accurate, and from seemingly a different perspective than the norm. Love the channel, easily one of the best.

Teenage killers are the most eerie in my opinion When your whole life is ahead of you, I cannot compute why people chose to do this

The face you made when you joyfully got to say the third made all of your videos one amazing thing ever. I love it. Thank you

Watching these children recount their happy memories of fellow classmates killed by another classmate is heartbreaking. Truly awful what a waste of life, the killer really was just one sad bastard

My heart sank when he said that in court. How unimaginably painful for these poor families.

It's weird... I've seen that courtroom scene so many times, and I can't help but see him as just a super lame dude who is trying wayyyy too hard to be edgy. I know that sounds obvious, but considering what he did and the gall to say and represent what he did to the families screams "I am a defiant child and I'm gonna make sure you know this." I can't help but wonder what he thinks of all this now, or how he'll think about it in the future as he "matures."

You ALWAYS thank us for watching BUT, how often do we thank YOU, for the time and effort that you put into these videos ? I don't see how you can get ANY rest, after researching some of these cases SO, here's to you Mike, THANKS !

💜I lived along Lake Erie in Pennsylvania when this occurred and have seen more than a few videos about TJ Lane. However, I had to listen to MIKE! I’m very glad I did since I didn’t remember hearing about his transfer and hadn’t seen photos. Thanks as always Mike!🌈

This happened close to my home. This case still has an affect on the town. TJ is a complete waste of oxygen. Great story telling as always! Thanks!!

"...so that would make TJ Lane, Thomas Michael Lane, Thomas Lane the Turd." *TJ: "Thanks for the original name DAD!!!"* (cries in teen angst)

Those poor parents, talk about being revictimized...to have your child's murderer smirk during your impact statement and be so vile in the courtroom 😢😠 God bless the families, what a heartbreaking case.

I never knew the whole story, I appreciate your videos, there's definitely a story to teach my gchild how safety is very important. My prayers goes out to all the families. Gosh, this was heartbreaking.

im a survivor of the 1998 Westside middle school shooting & it's sad that this has just gotten worse since then. every shooting is triggering & I cant imagine how hard it was for the families of the victims having the killer acting the way he did. if hell is real I hope there is a special place there for them. RIP to all the victims & to all the victims of all these mass shootings, they need to be stopped. one was too many

Love your channel Mike. Never miss a video. I went to The Lake Academy with this absolute waste of human life. Never talked to anyone, I even tried to be nice to him a couple times. After he broke out of prison I was interviewed on chardon square by several news outlets after I closed up at my job. I've been wishing you would cover this one for a while. Thanks Mike! Hope you're well. -HAP

This happened in my hometown, it’s where I grew up and most of my family still live and work. I was not surprised when this happened… the high school is very “cliquey” and people who are a bit off, different, etc are treated horribly by the students and the faculty too. The bullying is out of control. I have too many stories about it… but that’s definitely not an excuse for TJ, if he was experiencing that kind of treatment, which I haven’t heard. For the most part, the teachers are pretty great and there’s plenty of opportunities to thrive and learn; the art teachers were always my favorite. The town of Chardon is a great little place and I love going home to visit. This incident really tore the town up but also brought people closer together. Everybody knows each other, and although it’s grown into a busy little city, it still has the small town feel. The incident is really sad, overall and it changed Chardon and Geauga County forever (It’s pronounced Gee-aww-guh, by the way). Thanks for covering it- you did a great job and did Chardonites proud. 😇

Love your commentary !!!

You narrate these tragedies with such empathy for the victims. And rightly give the perpetrator the "heave ho" they deserve. Thank you so much Mike!

Ah, yes, now I remember this one with what he displayed in court. Judge should NOT have allowed that at all.

I'm glad the only reason I remember this is Coach Hall's heroic story. I didn't even remember TJ's name or courtroom antics, and in a couple of hours, I'm sure I'll forget it again. But I'll always remember Coach Hall, much like Coach Dave Sanders.

Love your show. Particularly since you don't use too much stock footage. Many others do. :-) D.A., NYC

I lived about 45 minutes away in Ashtabula County when this happened, and the football coach who charged at the shooter, Coach Hall, ended being the football coach at my highschool after he left Chardon High. Coach Hall always spoke about how he didn't think of himself for even a second, his only focus was on saving the kids and getting the shooter down.

I’m from Australia and I can never understand what it’s like to go to school with the thought in the back of your mind that someone may just start shooting at anytime. It absolutely blows my mind

Oh man great job Mike! 👏 the book reviews were hilarious 😂

I cannot imagine how difficult it was for everyone in the courtroom to keep their composure. WOW.

RIP to the victims and hope all those affected by this awful tragedy are doing better these days. Thanks for the video & have a great weekend!

I AM SO GLAD YOU COVERED THIS!!! This snapshot of him wearing that t-shirt and giving the finger comes up in my feed all the time but just as a short "whacky things that happened in courtrooms" I never knew the whole story.... You're the best, Mike!

9:02 TC: “Though the thought of a teacher having a bullet proof vest on him while he is at school is disturbing as well.” Me: “Welcome to America.”

watching this episode after a dad on tour (im a tour guide at a university) asked me if there had been any active shooters or shooting scares on our campus. it’s terrifying that this is what we have to think about when children go to school now. im heartbroken.

Oh this freaking guy. He was such a prick. His courtroom antics were vile!

Much respect to Bill Fisher who was willing to give an interview while riding his bike. He must be a very busy man.

Just proves, sadly again, how abusing a child can possibly, and most likely, lead to horrific consequences and pain for many.

Teacher having a bulletproof vest, that’s America for ya! Bulletproof backpacks are making a killing here.

The tiny ornery sparkle of happiness in your face when you realized and then said "that means he's TJ Lane the turd". Thanks Mike we love ya!! 🇺🇲

The teacher having a bullet proof vest in the classroom with them says it all really...everything that is wrong there

31 hundred kids in a school similar to how large prisons are impossible to run I found a problem already.

Thank you for covering this story. I'm from Cleveland, Ohio & just the mention of Chardon evokes such sorrow, just as Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde, etc. When will this madness end? What is your take of the rise of school shootings as well as gun violence in the States? Would you consider a video on that? BTW...the county Geauga sounds like gee AW guh

All the people given PTSD is no joke. It ruins so many lives so i hope they got the help they needed.

Thank you for sharing this one. It hits home especially close. My little brother was there during the shooting. I can’t put into words the feelings that I had when a text message came through about a school shooter. 15 miles at 130 mph later I was there to make sure he was OK. My heart has and always will go out to those affected.

The man shown giving an interview about a murder trial WHILE ACTIVELY riding a bike is baffling to me 😭

I actually remember the exact day this happened, I think I was in like 8th grade at the time and they sent us all home after seeing the news. Ironically, that's like 20 minutes give or take from where I live and my dad went there for high school. The whole story is so incredibly sad. I'm pretty sure the community does something every year to honor the victims :(

I remember this story but the thing I always appreciate about your channel is you don’t regurgitate the same stories putting in research that no one else does.

I live near his "prison home", and I was scared to death when he escaped. Never seen such a cold and evil person.

I was so touched by this video...Chardon, Ohio is one of the nicest, most beautiful towns, ever. I have friends nearby here and i have fallen in love with the area...so sorry that they had to deal with this tragedy.

We can always handle your depth, Mikey. Loooove your humour and accents, please never stop being you. Much ❤️ from Wasaga Beach, Ontario, 🇨🇦

I’m happy that he tried to escape, got recaptured and in is in a more secure prison. Him trying trying to escape shows he’s suffering in incarceration for what he did. If only he was able to get the death penalty.

I don't care that he's a teen- when you take another person's life intentionally, let alone several, you still know what you're doing, you deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

My cousin had just graduated and knew the kids who were shot. Funerals were attended. It was very sad as it would be. There are still Hilltopper Strong signs all over. Most of my family lives in Chardon, in the Village, Aquila where one of the boys were from. It's a very snowy place. They get feet of snow when we, further north, would get inches. It's a more expensive place to live. Crazy something like this would happen there. If it can happen here it can happen anywhere. And obviously he did not care. 😞

Imagine if during his escape, he ran into one of the victims' family. That would have been Christmas come early for that family member, I reckon.

Mike: "I guess he ruined his own life, but who really cares?" Me: Exactly. TJ is a waste of oxygen. I feel zero sympathy, pity, or empathy for that self-centered monster.

I remember when this happened. I was in a school about an hour away, it put us all on edge. Never worried about a school shooter before it happened so close to home. Also never thought I'd learn more about the monster behind it. Thanks for covering this story, Mike.

"The turd"🤣🤣 We love you Mike! Especially your 3's! It makes for some great unintended laughs! Edit~ All teachers should have bulletproof vests provided to them from the schools budget. It would keep them safe and able to stand between the shooter and the students. Being able to drag that student into the classroom because he was in a vest attests to that!

Love the Turd! You're the BEST! I Love ya!

If I was a family member making a testimony I wouldn’t call them a monster. That’s what they want. Call them “stupid” and speak to them like a child in a very sarcastic sense. They want you to call you a monster. They have that “joker complex”. They have a napoleon complex. Go passive aggressive. You have earned it. Say things along the lines of “I’m sorry you aren’t capable of understanding due to you mental ability.” Or “I’m sorry you don’t have the intellegence to understand”. Make them mad and take the control back

"American schools start so early." Gawd, FINALLY someone said it!!

My friend lives a few miles from that prison and he gets at least 8 "alerts" a year from the prison that a prisoner is missing or has escaped.

I am honestly so glad I discovered your channel recently. Considering how long I've been hooked on true crime, it's so wonderful for me to find a channel that so completely hits all the criteria I like to see in true crime content: Respect for the victims and their families, telling their stories with dignity and care (and an honest way, I don't like the overly emotional/sycophantic way some others do it). Showing the killers for the pathetic little shites they are. Sticking to the facts. And - the first channel I've found that ticks all the previous boxes yet does this - also being very funny along the way. So, keep it up Mike. You've found a new loyal subscriber in me and I'm here for the long haul. Stay safe, love ya! 😉

My friends son attended this school. I remember very vividly of her telling me about the lock down. Fortunately, she was in communication with him and knew he was safe.

Went to high school at West Geauga when this happened, about 10 minutes down the road from Chardon High. I'll never forget this tragedy. Thanks for covering it

My jaw dropped when he said what he said to the families of the victims in the courtroom. My god. Suffer TJ. Suffer everyday

I did 7 years so I've seen alot of those fences. It's usually two fences with razor wire on every inch. There was always one or two people driving around the fence with shotguns. Sometimes there's also a "shake wire" that will alert the guards if someone is crawling up the fence, along with cameras everywhere being monitored.

I had a teacher once tell me: "Be careful how you perceive the world, it is that way." It's something that has stuck with me for years. I wonder if even though "bullying" was never confirmed by anyone else, TJ may have perceived it himself. I'm obviously not defending what happened in any way, but sometimes these things make me think about what must have been going through someone's head when they just start shooting.

When people are asked about the history of a killer and you hear, "No one thought he was capable of such a thing"; as a teacher, I swear there are kids that teachers can spot as future-problems. I have a couple that if they were accused of a violent crime and I was asked I could honestly say, "I am not at all surprised." I have reported the aberrant behavior on multiple occasions. Sadly, I feel like there aren't enough adequate professional people in the school systems to intervene in these types of cases.

@14:51 “I have a comment about this case, but won’t stop riding my bike. Try to keep up.”

"G aug a" county. Thanks for showing the depraved nature of Lane. I live about 30 miles south and this was stunning for it's senselessness.

"Snipers and mines." 😂 You always find a way to make me laugh no matter how sad the story

In this episode, Mikes says “tree (3),” “turty (30),” and “turd (3rd)” six times. Even though I know he wasn’t, I feel like Mike was staring into my soul when he said “Thomas Michael Lane… the turd.”

I truly hate when people fake mental illness and abuse after doing horrific things like this. This is what makes people scared of those of us who have mental illness or a history of abuse. It makes people think that we are violent, unstable and volatile by nature and makes people far less likely to seek help when they need it emotionally due to the stigma. I have c-ptsd from surviving kidnapping, rape and attempted murder along with going through 2 years of testifying in court after my attacker plead not guilty. I already had severe depression and anxiety before that day. Coincidentally, my attack occurred 6 weeks after the Chardon high school shooting. I was living in an apartment building just for students that housed roughly 400 people. I was absolutely shunned after people started gossiping about my attack. Management of the building actually let the details of my attack be known to their employees who told residents. After TJ Lane said that he was the victim of abuse and heard voices, people started assuming that I would too after what had happened to me. I spent the next 3 years living in that building and for most of it, people spoke about me within earshot with absolutely no shame. Every new resident would be warned not to associate with me because I was ‘crazy’. Bearing in mind, the only reason anyone had to call me crazy was because someone had kidnapped, raped and tried to kill me. I studied full time and got my degree while working 30 hours a week at a job I loved to keep busy. Monsters like TJ Lane prevent people like the girl I was from reporting what happened to them. They turn abuse and mental illness into something that others fear.

I don't think he realized the impact of what he did in court that day. But now he'll live with it if he ever does.