Tragic.

Please keep the comments civilized.

Reading this really makes me feel good about starting my 13 hour day.....

guess there were no partners in sight.

Why does the word 'Awful' have quotation marks around it in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution headline? Are they not sure if it was really awful?

9:23 , maybe someone at PH described at as being "awful" and that is a quote, perchance?

When "Turd Ferguson" is asking you to be civil, you know it's serious.

This is just so horrific!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families for sure.

I just can't understand this kind of thing...it's so frightening...

Sad, sad, sad.

9:27, yes, I know, it just struck me as a little strange since usually I think they do that when the police have said something kind of out there... like "particularly gruesome" or "horrific and tragic." "Awful" doesn't seem like something you'd need to quote.

Anyway, very sad story...

Very sad. I know a lot of people at PH, and my heart goes out to that woman's family and everyone at the firm.

I hope the statement by PH doesn't actually say the thoughts and prayers are with the "victims' families." That apostrophe belongs inside the "s" as there was only one "victim" -- and one cold-blooded murderer.

Notice the firm's thoughts and orayers are with "the victims' family and friends" - are they both victims?

ATL to double homicide!

9:52 to burning in Hell!

you'd think there would be something posted on the PH website expressing sorrow, etc...but there isn't.

Ugh. That's terrible. Her poor family.

9.42, 9.45, seriously? Can we leave the blue book punctuation remarks to a different post.

Temp attorney or temp worker?

Notice the firm's thoughts and orayers are with "the victims' family and friends" - are they both victims?

Obviously meanining the possessive and not plural- you are a douche as well as lacking the ability to draw inferences a 4 yr old could.

that is sad. and he had to do it in what's apparently a public part of the building so now whenever anyone passes by it they will think of this. no one is going to eat lunch in that courtyard no more. great.

Victims is plural
Victim's is singular possessive
Victims' is plural possessive

The firm is noting its thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of both decedents. I think that's the decent thing to do. This is an unspeakably awful thing for *both* families to deal with.

I think they're making the point that the shooter is not a victim. However, I agree this is a horrible thing for his family to face.

I suppose it might be fair to say that the murderer's families are themselves victims of his crime. So looking at it that way you could say there are multiple victims.

Also, it's highly likely this man was mentally disturbed and was not getting the psychological care he obviously needed. Something for firms to keep in mind as they evaluate their health insurance policies...

For fuck's sake, can you stop obsessing over plural/singular possessive/plural possessive. Are you people autistic? You read a horrible story and the thing that jumps out at you is whether the grammar, or punctuation, is correct?

How fucked up are you? Evidence, if needed, that this Blog has been taken over by law students.

Yes, it is a tragedy.

The firm issued a statement that referred to the families of the victims (victims' families). SOME commenters question whether it is fair to call the shooter a victim of his own crime. Is his family suffering? Surely. Does that make him a victim in the same way that she (his target) was a victim? Not in my view.

If you (general) want to take issue with THAT view as being callous, that may be a fair criticism. To react to that view as being grammar- and punctuation-obsessed just reveals a lack of reading comprehension.

1:19, I think the obsession with the punctuation is making a non-issue into something more. I venture that the memo was prepared saying it was victim's family, I am sure that is what the firm would have wanted, I read it and that is what I take from it. I am sure the shooters family are suffering but I am also sure they would not even call him a "victim". As such this is a mistake, and dwelling on it reveals a lack of proper perspective.

1:09, do you actually think the issue is grammar? Talk about missing the point. Evidence, if needed, that this Blog has been taken over by hotheaded Plebeians.

I guess I'm not getting those tapes back this afternoon.

-PH Partner

LOL @ TTT BLACKS

1:37, two people are dead. That is the story. Whether the press release included the shooter as a "victim" based on where the appostrophe is placed is a pointless debate. This is a human story, and wasting time debating semantics is stupid.

1:09

I had heard from friends working in the building that a bystander was also wounded (but not killed). Any confirmation that this is true/false?

I don't think the press release intended to call the shooter a victim. It reads, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' family and friends." If there were two victims, wouldn't it be "the victims' families and friends" unless the two were related?

2:18, exactly, You think the dorks who obssessed over "victims' " would have noticed that as well.

Very sad. I guess thats one more reason why you shouldnt date co-workers.

I'm an associate at PH Atlanta. I think the statement you're all focusing in on was given to the AJC over the phone, so it could have been victim's or victims' ...I'm pretty sure Arielle (the spokesperson) meant victim's though. The memo emailed firm-wide said "our thoughts and prayers are with Raven's family and the members of the Atlanta Office." In fact, several memos went out, each expressing sympathy for Raven's family and never mentioning the murderer or his family. I hope this puts the issue to rest.

I was not very close to the incident or the individuals involved, but to my knowledge the bystander was not wounded.

It is humorous that so many commenters are complaining about what is finally a real discussion topic - are shooters victims? - and saying that it is an argument over petty semantics.

As a non-attorney reading this blog, since a friend at PH-ATL sent me the link, let me be the first to say that yes, that discussion is a petty waste of everyone's time. Please rush back to bitching about how underpaid you all are.

3:02, let me guess, the shooter is a victim of society? Or a victim of the government? Or a victim of bad parenting? Shut the fuck up. There was A (Singular) A Victim. There was also a murderer. Is a shooter a victim? What a crock.

I believe, honestly, that his family are suffering, and I would even welcome some sympathy for them, but the shooter is a victim?

That could be a tragedy, if she were hot.

8:58 meet 3:18, 3:18, fuck off.

Southerners and their stupid guns. What the hell is wrong with you people?

signed,

A non-Southerner

This is a tragedy for all victim and shooter . No matter of debate over words will change the situation or the pain an anguish suffered by both families.
The shooter families needs our prayers also.

I know his mother and sister, they are devasted. They will never know what or why he commited such an insane violent act.

11:44,

You are a bad writer. Nobody takes you seriously.

9:14, you are a waste of space. Nobody takes you seriously. Only a moron would elevate form over substance to the extent you do; only an asshole would do so in this instance.

I take 11:44's comments quite seriously.

No one else was shot/injured. He shot Raven twice in chest then once in head, then turned the gun on himself. This was the result of 1beautiful, sweet, innocent person, exercising her God given right to freedom of choice by telling the other party she was not interested in a committed relationship w/ him and he didn't like her decision. Please, pray for Ravens family .... Anyone interested, there will be a memorial service in Roswell @ 11am on Saturday. Red and black is requested dress attire, Raven was a Graduate of UGA and loved the Dawgs!

How do you know he was a southerner? What would
he be if he used a knife? A sword? A brick? What kind
of dumbass are you?

Correct me if I'm wrong but after reading the story there is an opportunity for comments which I believe are or should be about the story. I first would like to send out my condolensces to the families, friends and coworkers of both the victim and the shooter. Because he committed such a calous act, does not make his family undeserving of love at this time in their life. He did it, not them. But my main concern is the fact that anyone who uses this opportunity to disrespect each other is totally out of order. Please bear in mind that it's a great possibility that the families may also be reading these comments and could be very offended. I too am a PH employee of out the NY office (legal secretary) and only hope and pray for comfort to them at this grave time. Please be more considerate or as it's said, some things are better left unsaid.

I must say i feel so terrible for what has happened and i am in total shock. I personaly knew jermaine

Please, if anyone really did know Jermaine, what was he like? I worked with him and have NEVER heard him say a single word. He was so quiet. We all want to know what he was like (I work in the immigration group of the Atlanta PH office).

Raven and Jermaine and both of their families are in my thoughts and prayers. No one deserves this. I would also like to add that PH is handling things in a very graceful and supportive way.

thank you for all the support from the family of RAVEN,but we are tryin to lay her to fest now.the negtive commets wont bring here back,nor would it justisfy why he did what he did(JERMAINE).but this we all no for sure he will burn in HELL FOR WHAT HE DID .(TAKIN HIS LIFE WAS JUSTICE ENOUGH FOR ME!),THE LORD TELL'S US THIS SO YA HIS FAMILY ARE ALSO HURTIN TOOO

thank you for all the support from the family of RAVEN,but we are tryin to lay her to fest now.the negtive commets wont bring here back,nor would it justisfy why he did what he did(JERMAINE).but this we all no for sure he will burn in HELL FOR WHAT HE DID .(TAKIN HIS LIFE WAS JUSTICE ENOUGH FOR ME!),THE LORD TELL'S US THIS SO YA HIS FAMILY ARE ALSO HURTIN TOOO

To be honest Jermaine always kept to himself very quiet. I found him strange and weird and scary at the same time. i cant believe he did what he did i am sure he is going to hell.

I have known Raven Buckley since high school and I wish you guys could have known her. I promise you she would have touched your life in some sort of way as she did with everyone else. She was one of those girls that has always been the same sweet person. She has always been genuine and loving. It was always nice running into her friendly face @ the University of Georgia and as recently as running into her @ the Atlanta Hawks game this year. I just found out about this tonight, and I'm deeply saddened. I loved her and she was loved by so many. We miss you Raven!

This is for the IDIOT that called all of us Southerners dumb and talked about our guns.

The shooter was from.........NEW YORK, you MORON!

A Southerner

BY THE WAY HE WAS FROM A PLACE CALLED SOUTHERN BOULEVARD IN THE BRONX.

I am sorry for both families. this is so very sad on both ends. what can you really say, But God please give both families the strength that they will surly need to get through this time. I say to both families, look to and remember the words
GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CAN NOT CHANGE, COURAGE TOO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE, WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

I did know Jermaine. He was a very sweet guy, and I just like many would have never thought that he would do anything like this to any one, nor his self.

as far as going to hell, maybe he was in hell already, right here on earth. DEPRESSION IS VERY REAL AND SERIOUS THING. You never know how bad the pain is for a person to do something so life affecting.
Again I say sorry to both families.
my heart bleeds for them both.

What a horrible tragedy. An even greater tragedy is evidenced by persons obsessed by grammar rules in the face of such a horrific event.

Thank goodness, when the tragedy ocurred at 101 California St., in San Francisco many years ago, the mechanics police stayed out of it.

Get lives people. My condolences to the friends and family of Raven.

I am also an employee of the immigration group at PH in Atlanta, and we are all trying to understand and recover from this horrible tragedy. It saddens me that so many people are using this forum to debate the rules of grammar or condemn Jermain rather than to try to find understanding and to express condolences.

I ask that anyone posting from this point on will consider that HUNDREDS of lives have been deeply affected by this murder/suicide, and that many of us harbor both anger AND sympathy toward Jermain. We did not know him well, and we don't understand why he did this to such a beautiful person. If anyone knew Jermain and can shed some light on who he was, or how he may have been feeling in the last few weeks, it may help some of us to get our heads around this.

I am so sad that Raven is no longer alive. I want so badly for her to walk around the corner carrying a file and listening to her iPod. I want so badly to see her smile and hear her laugh and just have her be around. I am angry that Jermain decided it was his right to take her life away, to prevent her from reaping the benefits of all her hard work, to keep her from doing the things she wanted to do. This is so awful in so many ways, and the entire situation is just heartbreaking.

But I have faith. I have faith that Raven went straight to heaven and that she was welcomed home with open arms. I have faith that she has hear every voice, every tear, every prayer, and that they symphony of voices crying out for her and remembering her must be so beautiful. I have faith that she knows how many people loved her, and she knows just how many people were affected by her beautiful spirit, and I am thankful that the world was blessed to have her around for as long as she was alive.

Finally, I would like to add that Paul Hastings has been exceedingly supportive of its employees as we cope with this tragedy, and the firm has given us as much time and space as we need to process this and to grieve. I am proud to call myself of member of this group and I have seen in the last week how close and supportive the people in this group really are. I want to thank all of the PH employees from other offices who have sent their condolences and messages of support, your kind words and prayers have helped to ease our broken hearts.

Ok jermaine was a loner always to himself and in his own world he lived with his mom in the bronx did not work for many years just hung around doing nothing smoking ciggarette or weed. Then once he moved to Atlanta he started working. I believe that paul hasting was his first job ever.

At times it seems we take for granted how precious life can be. We need to just hold on and I'm sure you'll understand it when God reveals his plan to us all.

Raven Buckley was a precious miracle. I saddens me to realize that I will never hear her say good morning or talk about how awesome church was on Sunday.

Her life may have been taken but her wonderful flame cannot be extinguished. Raven enabled so many by just smiling or saying "HI". Although she was only in my life for brief moment she has made me a better person just by being herself.

Whenever I see a rose I will always think of Raven. Whenever the Dawgs win a game I will toast her too. I plan on living my life just like her maximizing my potential and trying to be a little better than I was the day before.

I want to thank God for allowing her to visit us for 25 years. May I see you again Raven. We love you and miss you.

I also would like to pray for Jermaine and his family. He was a child of God and some sort of demons entered and ruined what could have been a wonderful testimony.

I knew Jermaine and YES we are deeply struck by this tragedy. I will miss playing flag football with him on Sundays, shooting hoops in the back yard btw we're not that young anymore, the hilarious conversations we had, meaningful words of encouragement he provided me, cooking up some meat on the grill especially the jalapeno burgers and lastly just him, i'm going to miss him. This is such a big loss for both families, but we can only learn from this because its over now. Life is precious!!!! Jermaine we will chill again, but for now we're going to live, but we'll see each other again. So for now Chi and I are just going to continue our own journeys and we'll see ya at the crossroads. And we already forgave you for this!! Peace My Brother
Solo. P

I Knew Jermaine for a long time I lived in the same building for 20 years. I have read this blog and cant help but comment on him being that I knew him and his family. First, at one time he did smoke weed all day with no direction. He had many issues with his mother and just about everyone on that block. And these issues were brought by his own actions. He later went to college and had many good jobs. He was driving, working and keeping to himself. However, he had so many problems with people because of the past he could not live comfortably in the Bronx. I myself was his right hand, his best friend and he stabbed me in the back and we ended up not talking right before he left to Georgia. He could never sustain a relationship with females, friends, or family. He was possesive over females and had many incidents in public where we all could see that a female, for any reason would be his downfall. He could withstand everything that he was going through. But with the ladies he was a different person he was weak and let every lady I knew him to have take over his life. When that would end he was very suicidal and homicidal but he had a few people who would talk him out of it at their own risk. I guess what I am trying to say is he was a person with deep personality issues and from constant stress and depression his soul was weak and he was ready to give up on life when we were brothers and that was a long time ago so I could only imagine he fell into a deeper hole.

I, too, knew Jermaine as we grew up together. Our mothers still live in the same complex. Although I did have my occasional problems with him, everyone who grew up in Mapes Court is like family. He did have his issues with women but no one could've ever seen anything like this coming. He wasn't some bad @$$ thug or anyhthing like that and though he was bummin it out at one point, he was really making an effort to change his life. I guess he got to the point where he was just tired of the BS and life in general.
& Unfortunately Raven was the one who was there when he happened to blow.
I, myself, am angry that he did this but it's distasteful that so many are referring to him as this monster. I mean, he did have a bit of a dark side but, obviously he had good in him as they were dating one another at some point. Raven must've seen that....
Overall, Jermaine was a good guy.....besides the weed, he was just the guy next door, one of the boys....
My heart does go out to Raven and her family as
it's a tragedy that she had to leave this world so soon.
But I also got love for my dude "Germ".
I'm still in disbelief as I walk thru the backyard and I don't see you there. You'll be missed my dude.
Just can't believe you did this stupid shit though.

I, too, knew Jermaine as we grew up together. Our mothers still live in the same complex. Although I did have my occasional problems with him, everyone who grew up in Mapes Court is like family. He did have his issues with women but no one could've ever seen anything like this coming. He wasn't some bad @$$ thug or anyhthing like that and though he was bummin it out at one point, he was really making an effort to change his life. I guess he got to the point where he was just tired of the BS and life in general.
& Unfortunately Raven was the one who was there when he happened to blow.
I, myself, am angry that he did this but it's distasteful that so many are referring to him as this monster. I mean, he did have a bit of a dark side but, obviously he had good in him as they were dating one another at some point. Raven must've seen that....
Overall, Jermaine was a good guy.....besides the weed, he was just the guy next door, one of the boys....
My heart does go out to Raven and her family as
it's a tragedy that she had to leave this world so soon.
But I also got love for my dude "Germ".
I'm still in disbelief as I walk thru the backyard and I don't see you there. You'll be missed my dude.
Just can't believe you did this stupid shit though.

I knew jermaine and i have friends that knew jermaine and i saw one of our old friends and he told me that jermaine was so devastated because raven was pregnant by him and went and got an abortion and after she did that he felt he had no reason to live and that she didn't either because she took the baby's life by getting an abortion. Either way he has no right to take someone's life. but just thought id let you know about what I found out. It is such a sad situation, a sad lost. may there souls rest in piece

jermaine will be in hell for killing himself and taking raven's life. may raven rest in peace

i think both is at false but i think raven is da most at false.. she should never get abortion with talkin with him...

i think both is at false but i think raven is da most at false.. she should never get abortion without talkin with him 1st...

J. is a good dude. Fucking people turn him like this, he always been good to people, but they turn around and stabbed him in the fucking heart. Im his brother he alway told me, that he tires of these fuckers. We believe in GOD. and I will continue pray to god for his forgiveness. IM SORRY FOR ALL HIS SINS, PLEASE FORGIVE HIM.

CNB BRONX NY 187 ST BROTHERHOOD. AND ALL CNB FROM EVERYWHERE. WE LOVE YOU J AND REST IN PEACE

STRENGTH AND HONOR 2 words describe Jermaine