he Bend-La Pine School District's NEST program - a specialized program for students experiencing intensive behavioral and social skills challenges - returning to the classroom after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nickerson told KTVZ21 at the time that her 10-year-old son, whom she referred to by the first name  Griffin,  was struggling with learning from home.

 I think it will be great for Griffin, because I am not certified teaching a special needs student,  Nickerson told the outlet.  And I think it will be great for my son to get the help that he needs from the skilled teachers that he needs to get it from. 

The mom sobbed and smoked a cigarette while waving away reporters on the porch of her apartment on Friday.

The mother insisted Griffin was  a good boy, he really was.

 I'm so sorry, I wish I could have done something. I'm sorry for their loss,  she said, referring to the parents of those killed, according to CNN.

 I miss him,  she said of her son, who was killed after his slaughter.  If I could have prevented this, I would have.