Transcript for Parents charged in school shooting incident

Now to new developments in what is a school shooting in new this morning the parents of the student accused of opening fire are now facing charges as well. ABC's Clayton Sandell has the story. Good morning to you, Clayton. Reporter: Hey, good morning to you, Michael. Now, unfortunately we all know school shootings are not rare, but in this case, authorities are doing something we don't see much, going after the parents of an alleged gunman for not doing more to keep their son from taking their handgun, the same gun police say he used to open fire on fellow students. This morning a new twist in a New Mexico high school shooting. Where is the student at? Reporter: The suspect allegedly firing at three students last February but missing dropping the gun in the hallway and running outside. Stop right there. Stop. Turn around, face the mountain. Reporter: Minutes later officers arresting the 16-year-old sophomore they say intended to kill his ex-girlfriend and others. Drop down to your knees. Reporter: Now his parent, Dale and Tamara Owen have been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A year before they were warned their son was hearing voices telling him to shoot up his school but allegedly failed to lock up a handgun their son brought to campus. This potentially opens the door to a lot of people who may not know they would be liable for this inability to predict future behavior. Reporter: Now, in the last 20 years only a handful of adults, about four, have been charged in similar cases. The accused gunman's parents have not entered a plea and their son has not been formally charged. He's actually in custody waiting for mental health treatment and last month was found incompetent to stand trial. Guys. All right, Clayton Sandell, thanks.

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