MARIEMONT, Ohio — A 14-year-old conspired with an out-of-state adult to conduct a "mass casualty event" at Mariemont High School, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said at a Thursday press conference providing new details on the student's arrest.
The Mariemont teen was charged Wednesday with having a "credible plot to harm students and staff."
Powers said the 14-year-old had a hit list naming at least eight students and one teacher. The teen was planning to shoot those on the list in the near future with a firearm acquired from his household, Powers said.
Mariemont parent Amy Carlier was in disbelief Thursday as she waited to pick up her daughter.
"My daughter texted me that two people that I know and love dearly were on that list," Carlier said.
Carlier said she was relieved to know that the system in place to protect kids worked.
"I feel very grateful for the swift action of our school system, of the student who told his dad, the dad taking it seriously and the police to take action," she said. "That's why our kids are alive and safe today."
Powers showed multiple text exchanges between the 14-year-old and an out-of-state adult using a Colorado Springs, Colorado area code. Powers said the adult is between 22-24 years old.
Powers said the two talked about the people the student wanted to kill and rape, and they mentioned the possibility of using gas in an exchange from January.
Another text detailed how the front office would need to be taken care of first.
Texts also showed plans to potentially use a "full gear kit" and more than one gun.
The plan was thwarted by police after they were tipped off by another student. Zach Swallen said his son became aware of the other student’s threat to shoot students within the school and called his father to tell the story — despite having been threatened directly.
“The kid had the firearms and had a very elaborate plan and had every intention of carrying out that plan,” said Swallen, fighting back tears. “My son, he doesn’t lie. He’s very literal, I could tell by his tone. And it was told to my son that if he disclosed anything about the plan to anybody, he would be shot and killed. But my son literally told me he didn’t care if he got killed as long as he could protect his classmates.”
That teen has been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. Powers said she's asking for the teen to be bound over to adult court, meaning he could face life in prison if convicted. The 14-year-old is set to next be in court Wednesday, Feb. 21.
"Children should not fear coming to school," Powers said. "Teachers should not fear that their students will cause harm to them or their classmates."
WCPO 9 went to the home of the family of the 14-year-old charged, but they did not respond to our requests for an interview.
Mariemont Police Chief Richard Hines said there will also be increased patrols at the school for the rest of the week out of an abundance of caution.
Correction: This article erroneously stated that the teen has already been bound over to adult court.
