UPDATE: reflecting the student was released from custody November 15.
UPDATE: Monday 11 am to include letter from LPS Superintendent Barry Gunn.
The 14-year-old expelled Luther Middle School student who allegedly authored a hit list naming students and teachers he wanted to kill is in custody.
Luther Police Chief David Randall says the boy was arrested late Sunday night at his home in Luther. Since last Thursday, the Luther Police Department has been interviewing students, parents, teachers and school administrators.
The alleged hit list was reported at the school last Wednesday, prompting the student’s expulsion and subsequent lockdown of the school. Parents of students named on the list were notified. No one was hurt.
Chief Randall said Sgt. Mike Oliver and Reserve Officer Brett Conner took the boy to a juvenile detention facility after 11 pm Sunday. The Oklahoma County District Attorney will determine whether to file charges.
UPDATE: the boy was released from juvenile custody three days after his arrest. No word yet on whether charges are pending.
School Board President Steve Broudy said the situation was handled the best way it could have been with the resources available to the district. Some parents complained publicly about a lack of communication about the incident. Broudy said the safety of all students was the top priority and encourages anyone with questions to ask him or members of the administration for answers before turning to social media.
“All threats need to be handled seriously, the one that isn’t is the one we will regret,” he said.
On Monday morning, this letter was posted on the school’s website and shared with The Luther Register from Superintendent Barry Gunn.
