In a news release sent to NewsChannel 15 from the Fraternal Order of Police Coastal Carolina Lodge 12, members say they are in support of fellow officer Marcus Rhodes.
Friday, Rhodes, Horry County Schools, and Horry County police were named in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Tom and Karen Varinecz. They are the parents of Trevor Varinecz, the 16-year-old student Rhodes shot and killed in October 2009. Trevor had Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.
Police say Trevor Varinecz attacked Rhodes in his office and stabbed him seven times. Officer Rhodes shot Varinecz five times, killing him. The solicitors office cleared Rhodes of any wrongdoing.
The release goes on to say, "The events of that fateful day two years ago were indeed tragic for all those involved and we are confident the court will conclude that Officer Rhodes actions were justified and proper."
