Statement of the David Kassick Family Regarding the Criminal Charges Filed Against Lisa Mearkle

The Kassick family is extremely pleased that the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office has elected to pursue homicide charges against the police officer responsible for David's untimely death. The family would like to thank the Dauphin County District attorney and his staff as well as the Pennsylvania State Police for their hard work and impartial handling of this matter. Their courage in doing what is right and just in criminally charging this police officer is to commended.

David is dead and he should not be. The family would like to respectfully remind the public that while David had his problems and struggled with addiction, he was loved and will be deeply missed. The family is comforted by the knowledge that the individual who caused David's death will be held to answer for her cowardly and criminal behavior. The prosecution is a substantial step towards closure following a horrifying tragedy.