The law firms Dwyer Williams & Cherkoss, Simon Greenstone & Panatier, and Worthington & Caron announced today that they have been retained by the parents of Rhoam Summer to preserve and protect Rhoam’s memory and investigate possible legal claims arising from the mass school shooting on October 15, 2026, at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon.

October 15, 2026, will be remembered as Bend’s worst day in its proud history. On a sunny afternoon under blue skies, a lone gunman attacked Silver Rail Elementary. The gunman, a teenager who once attended the school, was able to enter the school and slaughter a teacher and three children, including Rhoam Summer, a vivacious 5-year-old kindergartner. The assailant’s assault put another teacher and student in critical care, created fear and panic in the school, and cast a pall of despair over an entire community.

Rhoam Summer is the youngest person ever killed in a school shooting in the United States.

The Summer’s legal team will launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this horrific event. The team’s primary objectives are to discover the truth, determine accountability, and pursue justice on behalf of Kelik and Lillian Summer, the parents of Rhoam.

“We are stunned that such a heinous assault has happened in our peaceful community,” said Bend attorney and co-counsel Tim Williams. “Senseless, barbaric and depraved? Yes. But was it foreseeable and thus preventable? That’s what we will find out. While law enforcement handles the criminal prosecution, we will be investigating any systemic failures that may have allowed this tragedy to happen. We are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again and justice is done in Rhoam’s name.”

The investigation will examine several critical factors.

  • Were adequate security protocols in place and enforced?

  • Was there an active shooter protocol at the school, and if so, was it performed as it should have been?

  • Were there prior warnings, from this shooter or others?

  • Where was the weapon purchased and how was it marketed?

  • How was the underage shooter allowed to gain access to the weapon, and then the school?

The three firms have established a dedicated, secure portal and support line for survivors, witnesses, and family members seeking legal guidance or wishing to share information relevant to the investigation.

The Summer family has asked that their beautiful boy be remembered for his smile, joy, and playful spirit. Please click here for their tribute to Rhoam.

To respect the privacy of the entire Summer family, and allow them to grieve, please direct all media inquiries, interview requests, and statements regarding the legal strategy to Tim Williams, 541.617.0555. The public can also email tips to info@worthingtoncaron.com.

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