Two juveniles charged in connection to Worcester Co. school shooting plot
SNOW HILL, Md. – According to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, two juveniles have been charged with conspiracy to commit first degree murder and other related offenses in connection to a threat made to Snow Hill Middle School.
On March 22nd, officials from Worcester County Public Schools reported a potential threat to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office after school administration learned of it from several students. Members of the sheriff’s office responded immediately and confirmed that the threat was credible.
The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, which is comprised of members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and Berlin and Pocomoke City Police Departments, continued the investigation into the threat, leading to the discovery of a school shooting plot.
As a result of the investigation, a juvenile was taken into custody at approximately 4 a.m. on March 23rd. A second juvenile was taken into custody on March 25th.
Officials say the investigation is still ongoing and has resulted in several interviews, search warrants, subpoenas, and a seizure of multiple pieces of evidence. Police located materials referencing a previous national school shooting event as well as plans relating to a school shooting at Snow Hill Middle School at the suspects’ residences. Evidence showed that the plot had been several months in the making.
“The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office are confident that any threat to Snow Hill Middle School has been contained. Our continuing investigation has not revealed any indication that any weapon or destructive device was actually brought onto school property. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Worcester County Public Schools are confident that due to combined efforts, there is currently no active threat to Snow Hill Middle School or any other school within Worcester County,” said Worcester County Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli in a statement.
Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor also added that trauma counseling services are available for students and staff affected by this incident.
“In terms of this event, our safety practices and protocols were effective. The importance we place on fostering relationships with our students has paid dividends in terms of school safety. While we acknowledge that there is always more work to be done, I am proud to say that the system works. See something, hear something, say something. It works,” said Taylor.
