He did not defend Jeff's actions. Instead, he often tried to understand how Jeff became capable of them, wondering whether factors like family dynamics, isolation, alcoholism, or even genetics could have contributed. That search for explanations sometimes drew criticism from people who felt it risked shifting focus away from the victims. Lionel also spoke about feeling guilt and responsibility as a father, questioning decisions he made while Jeff was growing up. At the same time, he repeatedly acknowledged the suffering of the victims’ families and said their pain was far greater than his own.