PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A 13-year-old Pierce County boy accused of plotting a mass attack is back home under electronic monitoring after a judge approved his release from juvenile detention early last week.
The teen had been scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 6 to determine whether he would remain in custody, but his defense team requested that the review be moved up to Sept. 29.
According to the defense, the early detention review was requested so the boy could attend a mental health intake appointment scheduled by his mother for Sept. 30.
The court agreed, and the teen was released, allowed to leave home only for medical and counseling appointments. Documents show he is seeing a licensed mental health specialist with a local Christian counseling service.
Authorities began investigating after receiving multiple tips about threatening social media posts he made. Deputies executed a search warrant at his family’s home in early September, about 20 minutes south of Tacoma. Inside, they reported finding dozens of guns, many without serial numbers, along with writings and drawings referencing school shootings. Deputies said it appeared he had an obsession with school shootings.
A backpack filled with ammunition and AR-style magazines was also recovered, according to court documents. Some of the magazines reportedly had written references to mass shootings, such as Columbine. Investigators believed the backpack was a “go bag,” indicating he was prepared for an attack.
The boy was arrested and charged with multiple counts. He has pleaded not guilty.
During a hearing last month, the judge said any consideration of release would depend on mental health intervention and confirmed that no firearms remained in the home.
Prosecutors opposed the release, asking the judge to keep the teen in secure detention, citing community safety concerns at the Sept. 22 hearing.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it referred charges against the teen’s parents in connection with the case, but the prosecutor’s office has not filed charges at this time.
The boy has been homeschooled for at least the past four years. Under the terms of his release, he is restricted to online education only.
His next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29.
트위터 공유: 13세 청소년 대량 공격 혐의로 기소 및 전자 감시 중 석방