Thousands form human barricade outside Chardon church to protect Parmertor family from protestors

CHARDON, Ohio - Funeral services were held Saturday for Chardon High School shooting victim, 16-year-old Daniel Parmertor, at the Church of St. Mary in Chardon.

Outside the church, thousands of people lined North Street and formed a human barricade to protect Parmertor's family from Westboro Baptist Church protestors.

The protestors didn't show up, but those standing in the crowd wanted to be there just in case.

"It makes my heart smile to see such a showing of support from everyone in the community, the students, it's amazing," said Chardon High School graduate, Sarah Golias.

A Facebook group organized the gathering and people from Chardon and surrounding areas arrived as early as 6 a.m.

"We're just here to support the family, show them that we care. We love our town and really just here to support the family," said Susan Corsaro, a Chardon resident.

Friends and family who attended the funeral talked about the emotional day.

"It was so sad. Everyone was just crying," said Parmertor's friend, Gabby Cveljo.

"He was honestly the sweetest person I have ever met. He's such a good person. I can't believe he's gone."

Following the funeral services at the Church of St. Mary, Daniel Parmertor was buried at All Souls Cemetary in Chardon.