The teenager accused of plotting a mass shooting at Hilliard Davidson High School faced a judge for the first time Monday.
John Staley III, 16, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for the threat at the school.
Staley sat in court by his attorney and parents. His mother was visibly shaken.
“They’re struggling, it’s tough on them, just like it would on anybody,” Staley’s attorney, Steve Palmer said.
Staley's parents learned their son was being investigated for allegedly plotting a Columbine-like shooting at Hilliard Davidson in September. Police and prosecutors say he had it mapped out, had recruited other students to help and was researching weapons.
Palmer used those facts as evidence that his client wasn't a risk and hadn't caused any further problems.
“We wanted him to go home because we feel that’s in his best interest, he needs to be with his family where he belongs right now,” Palmer said.
But the prosecution argued these are serious charges. The people Staley reportedly recruited are now witnesses. Prosecutors fear for their well-being and others.
“The state has grave concerns about the safety of the public in this case,” Assistant Prosecutor Joe Gibson said.
The judge determined there hasn't been enough information presented yet to decide on any sort of release for Staley.
“Right now, they are just allegations but the severity of those allegations, the safety of the community, the court will maintain the hold initially,” Judge Terri Jamison said.
The second question was whether or not to try Staley as an adult, which prosecution thinks should happen. The judge continued that issue and didn't make a decision yet.
“This is a boy and to treat him like an adult would be catastrophic for him,” Palmer said.
A psychological exam has not yet been requested in this case. But Staley's attorney did say his client sought out counseling when police began investigating him in September.