PONTIAC (AP) — A suburban Detroit judge is keeping two middle schoolers in custody until classes are done for the school year after authorities say the girls created a hit list naming teachers and fellow students.
Assistant prosecuting attorney Betsey Hage told Judge Cheryl Matthews she had “grave concerns” about public safety should the girls — ages 13 and 14 — be released. They’ve been held since last month at Oakland County Children’s Village, a juvenile facility.
Both girls are being prosecuted as juveniles with threatening to commit an act of terrorism and making a false report to another person. Matthews said the girls could be freed on bond if they agree to have their movements monitored and restricted.
However, the earliest Matthews said she would let them be released is Saturday, after school ends at Anderson Middle School in Berkley.
“These are serious charges,” Matthews said during a detention hearing Monday.
Court documents say the girls may have been partly inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School mass shooting, The Detroit News reported.
Attorney Wanda Cal, who represents the 13-year-old, told Matthews there was no intent to harm anyone. Attorney J. Patrick Ogurek, who represents the 14-year-old, said there were no weapons in his client’s home.
“My client is a young lady with a big heart, she wouldn’t hurt anyone,” Ogurek said. “Right now she’s scared, lonely and needs to come home.”
The girls were questioned May 22 and told school authorities that the detailed plans found in one girl’s notebook were a joke. Police say the plan included waiting for students to be at an assembly and bringing small guns to school in backpacks.
Lawyers for both girls have requested jury trials.
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