Jose and Liliana Reyes, parents of Nevada school shooter Jose Reyes, have apologised for their son's actions. Picture: Reno Gazette-Journal Source: Supplied
THE parents of a 12-year-old who killed a teacher and then himself at a Nevada school said their son was a loving boy who kissed his family every day.
Jose Reyes, a year seven student at Sparks Middle School in Nevada, shot two students and then killed teacher Michael Landsberry outside the school, before turning the gun on himself on October 21.
His parents, Jose and Liliana Reyes have apologised for their son's actions, but told theReno Gazette-Journal their son loved his family and there was no sign of trouble.
"My wife and I want to express our sincere condolence to Mr Landsberry's wife and family," Mr Reyes said.
The math teacher has been hailed a hero for standing in the way of gunfire and protecting the children in his class.
Several times during their first interview since the shooting, the boy’s father thanked the police and the community.
The Reyes said Jose was an affectionate son who kissed them every day and loved to make videos on his parents' phones.
Jannelle Tan grieves for her math teacher Michael Landsberry during a vigil held at Sparks Middle School on Oct. 23. Picture: AP/The Reno Gazette-Journal
He worked at the family's coffee shop, saving up to buy his parents dinner and to afford gifts for his younger sisters.
"We did not know Jose was angry or upset about conditions at school," Mr Reyes said.
"He had never complained about any particular teacher or student. We knew that he had been teased and that he was trying to work through a speech problem he had.''
Police are continuing their investigation into the shooting amid reports Jose may have been bullied.
During interviews since the shootings, several students said they believe he was bullied. Those who knew Jose said he had friends but was considered shy.
On the day of the shooting, witness and student Michelle Hernandez said she saw the gunman and heard him say: "Why you people making fun of me, why you laughing at me?"
Community members gather to pay their respects to slain teacher Michael Landsberry. The parents of the 12-year-old shooter have sent their condolences to the Landsberry family. Picture:AP/The Sacramento Bee
The violence erupted nearly a year after gunman Adam Lanza horrified the US by opening fire in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, leaving 26 dead.
The December 14 shooting reignited debate over national gun laws, how to protect schools and whether armed teachers should be part of that equation.
Services for the teacher who was killed were held over the weekend. Both students injured in the shooting have been released from the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Reyes family was going to pick up their son’s ashes on Tuesday.
Their daughters, who are 7 and 8, have moved to new schools since the shooting and miss their brother. Both read letters to their brother during his services.
A Sparks Middle School student and her mother walk near Agnes Risley Elementary School, after students were evacuated to the school after a shooting at Sparks Middle School. Picture: AP
Police secure the scene near Sparks Middle School after a shooting. Authorities say two people were killed and two wounded at the Nevada middle school. Picture: AP
A teacher who was killed trying to protect the other students has been hailed as a "hero" by police. Picture: AFP
Swat team members secure the scene near Sparks Middle School after a gunman, believed to be a student, opened fire on the school grounds. Picture: AP
A Sparks Middle School student cries with family members after being released from Agnes Risley Elementary School. Picture: AP
