Currently
  • Current Conditions
    84°
    Partly Cloudy
  • 2:00pm
    84°
  • 5:00pm
    82°
Full Forecast »
Severe Weather Alert
Affected Counties
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Accused Mastermind In School Violence Plot To Be Released

POSTED: 11:31 am EDT April 1, 2008
UPDATED: 12:48 pm EDT April 1, 2008

One of three 13-year-olds accused in a planned Columbine-style attack at DeLand Middle School will soon be set free. The alleged ringleader in the plot to attack the school will be home sleeping in his own bed by late this week.


SLIDESHOW: Images Of Suspects At Tuesday's Court Appearance
ALSO: Photos Of The Three 13-Year-Old Suspects
RAW AUDIO: Principal Calls Parents To Alert Them To School Plot

A judge heard pleas Tuesday from three 13-year-olds now formally charged in a plan to kill fellow students. The two kids described by investigators as more of willing conspirators are staying in treatment.

Meanwhile, the attorney for Austin Mohr, the boy who appeared to be leading the plot, tried to turn the criticism toward the sheriff's office and the school.

Charlene Russell, Austin Mohr and Tyler Christian were handcuffed in the courtroom Tuesday and charged with two felonies each, but somehow they still appeared to be in a good mood. They were talking and laughing and Mohr received the best news. After Thursday, he'll still be in treatment during the day, but get to go home at night.

"I think it's a tragedy. We're dealing with children, children who were being bullied and felt alone and incapable of getting the adult world to help them," said David Damore, Mohr's attorney.

All the teens entered not guilty pleas, but the judge ordered Russell and Christian to stay in secure behavioral treatment for at least another 30 days. Investigators said they had agreed to back up their friend Mohr, who the sheriff's office said had a violent MySpace page, plans to kill specific students and tried to get a gun.

Mohr's attorney, though, chalked it up to imagination and blamed the arrest on the sheriff's need to boost his campaign for re-election.

"The adults could not see the writing on the wall and apparently [Sheriff] Ben Johnson and his staff didn't have a clue how to handle this case except to get the publicity they so desperately seemed to want," Damore said.

Damore also blamed the school for what happened, saying the kids were bullied and staff never stepped in help.



Market Place

Sponsor Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
If you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis you need to find the right treatment options to prevent joint damage and control pain. More Details

Home improvements are a good thing when selling. However too much of a good thing can actually cost you more money than it can make you. More Details

Office politics can drive people crazy and make going to work something you dread. Learn how to beat the dysfunction with these helpful hints. More Details

With gas prices though the roof, you need to make every drop count. Find out how here. More Details

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Strange News Photos

From brilliant to bizarre, this 99-photo slideshow captures a variety of strange news. New photos are added frequently, so prepare to be shocked and amused. Take A Look!

Caught In The Act

A Palm Bay homeowner couldn't get into his house because an 8-foot long snake was blocking the doorway Monday afternoon. More Details

Top 10 Video

Check out the best video clips on the Internet. New to the list: The kid who lives like a rock star. More Details


Credit Center

Your Credit Score Changes Often. Click Here for Your Latest Credit Score & Report.View it Online for $0.
Experian

Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert

- Breaking News Alerts
- Severe Weather Alerts
Download the Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert - CLICK HERE - IT'S FREE

Back To Top