Teen accused of planning Columbine-style attack at Penn sentenced
Teen accused of planning Columbine-style attack at Penn sentenced Save Email Print
South Bend
Posted: 5:31 PM Jul 15, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:03 AM Jul 16, 2008
 Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com
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A former Penn High freshman who planned a Columbine style attack at the school last April was sentenced today to the Indiana Department of Corrections.

The judge took the prosecution's recommendation, and handed the minor over to the Department of Corrections, where he could stay at the “boy’s school” till he’s 21.

He pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, last month. As an adult the charge would have been a Class A felony, which carries a maximum of 50 years.

The 16-year-old was arrested in April, after a school resource officer discovered Myspace postings in which he discussed his support for the columbine massacre. It was also discovered was planning his own attack for September 11-th at Penn.

Today, he told the judge the postings were merely discussions, and that he had no real intention of harming any of his classmates.

However, the prosecutor's office says his actions speak louder than his words.

“He had harmful things in his possession and he actually began researching how to make propane tank bombs which is exactly what Dylan Harris and Eric Klebold planned to start Columbine with. So, it’s more than words. He actually began research and that’s where we got conspiracy and that’s why were here,” Eric Tamashasky with the prosecutor’s office says.

Even the juvenile’s mother feels the judge made the right call.

“I feel comfortable with the decision. I think he can go on and learn from his mistake and come out a stronger person and maybe a better person. That’s what i can hope for,” Kelly Stetler tells NewsCenter 16.

The teen was also allegedly conspiring with 33-year-old Lee Billi, of Lakewood, Ohio. Billi has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The juvenile’s attorney did not know whether or not the teen might testify in that case.
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Posted by: Walter R Location: Goshen on Aug 13, 2008 at 11:59 AM
(QUOTE) He actually began research and that’s where we got conspiracy and that’s why were here. Hmmmm. I was in the gulf war and trained to shoot,load a gun,amoung other things that are ilegal in society. I still remember all my training too. Does that mean i'm guilty of conspiracy?. I have alot of knowledge provided by our government on how to do alot of things munitions, weapons. I suppose that makes me guilty too.
Posted by: Haley G Location: mishawaka on Jul 24, 2008 at 09:13 PM
everyone is so quick to judge and they know nothing about him. I know this kid, and I've actually written him letters sense he was arrested. he isn't a bad person, and neither is his family. He isn't just some dumb angry teen who hates everything. He got along with almost everyone he met. He was never really violent. a lot of stuff happened and got to him, and keep in mind that he can get out earlier when the state reviews him (at least to my understanding) so he really can get out sooner in 5 years. it's horrible that everything had to go down like this, and I wish him and his family the best.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Politics in Michiana make Michiana a toilet bowl regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or zip code.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Jul 23, 2008 at 03:22 PM
There are losers in every zip code, folks. The crime rate just happens to be higher in SB. Then the SB folks get in a tizzy abbout Penn kids being snobs... vicious cycle. Learn tolerance and teach it to your kids. You looke like babies on these boards, and yet you expect your kids to be better?! Not all S.Benders are crackhead thugs and not all Penn kids are rich snots. Get over yourselves.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Why don't we hold everyone accountable. Can we ask Mr. Dvorak when a booze party takes place with all minors most cops give drinking tickets. Did your kid ever get one? Why not? Why didn't your child's friends get busted? Maybe your child didn't drink? Hmmm....
Posted by: Soldier (Again) Location: Iraq on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Basically, this wouldn't happen if our justice system would stop babying these "children." It really makes me sick to think about these dumb parents sticking up for what would be (in this case) a murderer. Stop letting these "children" suck their thumbs till their 18. This babying is the reason kids are out of control.
Posted by: Call it Like it Is on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM
How about Life in Granger has dark side. Penn High School is full of snot nosed over indulged kids that need spankings for their bad behavior. What caused this kid to act out? I bet he was treated like crap for being different. People in 46530 Granger make me want to puke. They are arrogant fools.
Posted by: Anon Location: Bremen on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
You know, people are saying "He did not DO anything. You know what? There were signs before Colombine too and look what happened. He needs help, and if JJC can give him the help he needs then great! And if he hadn't planned on doing anything then he shouldn't have even joked about it. That is nothing to be joking about anyway. My heart goes out to his family and I hope he gets the help he so desperately needs.
Posted by: Sgt. Jeffrey Poe Location: Iraq on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:04 PM
"GRANGER INDIANA PENN HIGH SCHOOL, NON-WEST SIDE, EXPELLED STUDENT ACCUSED OF COLUMBINE TYPE ATTACK ON OWN SCHOOL" would be a better headline... a little wordy but if it was a Washington High School student I'm sure the headline would trash the west side.
Posted by: Heather Location: Mishawaka on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Ok, first of all, my son is currently at "boys school" and having been inside the facility, it is no picnic. The juveniles are in jumpsuits, mointored consistently, and have to attend school, drug classes, and have a counslor. It takes them 28 days to even earn a level and if they mess up, they dont level up. If the mess up is to severe, they get "re-classed" and sent to Pendleton. Second, I want to respond to the issue of people not staying together and having children. I am single, hard working mom and my son is in boys school by the poor decisions HE made. Not from my lack of trying or his fathers. I think the child should be evaluated and held accountable for his actions. Sometimes you have dig deeper then the surface to uncover what is really going on in a situation.
Posted by: frog Location: Plymouth on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:50 AM
I'm sorry to say, I really think this young man should have been charged as an adult. I fully agree with what some of you are saying about there being no benefit from being in a "juvie" for 5 years. He will just learn how to be a better criminal and possibly get some tips on how to carry out his threats while there. As far as the bullying thing, I was threatened with a beating up quite often. I was tripped in the hallways, laughed at and generally made fun of on a daily basis. But, I got over it. I was raised in a home where my Dad collected fire arms of all types..hand guns, rifles, shotguns, you name it. Did I ever consider using one of these on classmates? The thought never occured to me...Did I ever think of even touching one of these weapons? No. I was raised to respect them. And raised to do as my parents told me....That is, in my opinion, what is missing in this day and age. Well, I said my piece, thank you.
Posted by: Soldier Location: Iraq on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I guess anonymous was perfect, and never deserving any punishment during his/her perfect life. This "child" obviously was smart enough to plan, and even research ways to commit this crime. Why have pitty on this "Child?" 50 years is what this person deserves. When are we going to make examples out of the ones who intend harm?
Posted by: Karen Location: South Bend on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:09 PM
I wanted to respond to the comments from people who don't know anything about the Stetler family, but are so quick to judge and condemn them. Kelly Stetler and her family were the first baby-sitters I had for my twin daughters 19 years ago. I don't know what I would have done without them. Kelly's parents, Kelly, her sister, her brother and her nieces were wonderful, caring and generous people. Kelly changed her work schedule at Kroger so she could help take care of my daughters while I worked part-time. It breaks my heart to know that Kelly is dealing with all of this. Any response from anyone that actually knows the family ? I didn't think so.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 19, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I bet all of you have perfect children. Clean up your own lives before yammering about others.
Posted by: Death Penalty Works on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Execute him. Set an example and see how many others want to emulate him. The news media make these people famous and precipitate the next copycat.
Posted by: m4 on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:37 AM
teachers should be allowed to carry concealed handguns. and should be given free training from local police departments. who would try to do something like this if they knew any number of teachers were armed and trained? i doubt anyone would try it.
Posted by: Mommy on Jul 16, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Hmm, she has a history of being a thief. Glenn you want to let her live at your house if she gets house arrest?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 06:02 PM
you all are great at throwing rocks.
Posted by: O on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:50 PM
He will be even better at scheming, making bombs, and other criminal acts. 5 years, in a school with other hardened youngsters. Just wait...he will blow something up for sure next time.
Posted by: come on Location: michigan on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Are you serious, and 16 year old CHILD, yeah, a child that was learning to make bombs and looking up guns and had a plan all made out. Sounds more like Macgyver then a CHILD. You people crack me up, bet you would be singing a different tune if this CHILD went through with it and you had a CHILD in the same school he went to.
Posted by: Just Me Location: Niles on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:06 PM
It's not fair to judge a situation that none of us really understand. There are many parts to this story. First we must ask what is so horrible in this CHILD'S life that he would want to hurt his peers and himself. Next we must question where we're his parents/guardians? My parents always knew what I had in my room and my internet time was very limited AND monitored. I'm optimistic about his sentence. He is a 16 year old CHILD...he made some childish mistakes and thankfully he didn't follow through with any of them. The real person we need to worry about is the ADULT from Ohio who was helping him to conspire. No wonder children make horrible mistakes like this...the adults in their lives aren't acting like the role models they should be...
Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 03:23 PM
a mom- actually i have 4 children, all of them are home schooled because the public schools are such horrible environments. i can understand a school booting him out, but locking him up for 5 years? has this opened the schools eyes to the problems they must have with bullies? are they taking any action to prevent their students from being assaulted on school grounds? the point is this young man was tormented enough at school to actually make and prepare for it, but he did not go through with it. i still think he was just a very angry kid that has issues. i think these issues were caused by the torment he received from his classmates. i still do not think he would have gone through with it. maybe his planning and fantasizing about violence against his classmates was a coping mechanism and nothing more.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 03:14 PM
So many parents think their kids do no wrong. Often they are mean hateful bullies. Yes, Penn kids are rotten punks. The girls are worse than the boys. Those snot nosed mean girls have mean Moms. The rotten apples don't fall far from the tree. They wear their brand labels, carry purses that most people can't afford, drive cars they can't afford to fix and stick their noses up to sky. Oh yeah, their poop smells pretty too. Give me break--bullies, brats, and thugs need punishment.
Posted by: Here We Go Again on Jul 16, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Another woman trying to raise (spoil) a kid without a father. What is wrong that (so called) parents that they can't stay married and raise kids properly?
Posted by: a mom Location: south bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 02:24 PM
To Eric: Big difference between a child being angry and making the kind of threat he did. In this day and age the schools have taken adapted a zero tolerance for any type of threat. I am guessing you do not have children or else you would not be against such action being taken in order to protect the other students from one potentially dangerous student.
Posted by: s Location: bremen on Jul 16, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Eric, There are 2 sisters in my family and neither of us are nut jobs. Some families that may be the case, but not for all.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Little THUG should get more time!!
Posted by: jim Location: SB on Jul 16, 2008 at 01:05 PM
benny, maybe you should read the law, if you can read.
Posted by: Anon on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Eric, Sorry, in this day and age, such threats are and SHOULD be taken seriously.
Posted by: South Bend Resident Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM
With him being only 16, it's good that he was not tried as an adult. I don't think Boys school will really help though. Just like at the JJC, they don't really learn anything that could benefit them. They just learn about more criminal activity. They should really look into him getting medical attention. See a shrink so he can talk about what's all going on. He has to be having some major problems to have been thinking of doing that. I had a bad experience in high school, but never thought of ever doing something like that. Hopefully by the time he gets out he'll have learned some things and become a better person. He's been given a second chance of life because if he was tried as an adult, it would have been another teens life taken away.
Posted by: bert Location: elkhart on Jul 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM
what is bringing about someof the crazy oactions ofour young people? is it the conditions at home? television? books? the news? the lack of rearing n\by the parents? no religious teaching? it has me confused. is society missing smething in how we treat our teens. maybe we should look at the adults who are supposd to e role models. many of what are held up as role models live in a land odf drugs booze and sex.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Posted by: Amy Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:17 AM/Does your comment have anything to do with the story. I hope that this child will make it in life once he is out.
Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 11:30 AM
a mom- so if your child gets angry and makes a threat should he be locked up till he is 21? have you ever made a threat and not carried it out?
Posted by: Amy Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I resent the implication made by Grammar that anyone sounding ignorant must be a product of public schools. I graduated from a South Bend school as did my children. We can all speak quite intelligently.
Posted by: Heather Location: St Joesph MI on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I agree with Terry from Mishawaka. I don't think this person will take this and learn from it.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Actually Benny it is against the law. It's called conspiracy to commit murder.
Posted by: a mom Location: south bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
to:Eric and Benny Do you guys really want to wait until someone is dead before taking any action? I can't help but wonder if more people would have been on the ball, the Columbine massacre might not have ever happened. I for one am thrilled that so many people were watching over things. Parents are ultimately in charge of their kids, but everyone needs to keep an open eye.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Actually Benny , last time I checked, conspiracy to commit murder is against the law. It doesn't matter that he didn't kill 'no people', it's the fact that he was planning it and he could've gone through with it. K thanks!
Posted by: UGH! Location: Judge and Jury on Jul 16, 2008 at 09:48 AM
I do not understand some of you people, you think it is fine that a teacher run out in the street with a gun and intimidate children but then when children who are getting PICKED on relentlessly and the TEACHERS do nothing about it, you call foul on the child who FLIPS OUT because he cant take it anymore and then does this. An ADULT should know better, a CHILD has to be TAUGHT better! We had this happen in our community too, EXCEPT the kid was going around writing "TUESDAY is the day" on paper, well they (him and his best friend) got caught, got kicked out of school, went to juvie and counceling. Well guess what, TUESDAY was the day of ONE of the kids BIRTHDAY. NOTHING was being planned by this boy except a BIRTHDAY PARTY! The school jumped to ALL KINDS of conclusions, and even tried to submit a list of the childs class mates as the kids list of people he was going to kill. IT WAS ALL MADE UP. ALL of that HARMED this child and his friend FOR LIFE.
Posted by: Anon Location: Elkhart on Jul 16, 2008 at 09:32 AM
I'm still not sure why this young man wasn't tried as an adult. I, too, like his mom hope he is able to learn and become a better person through his sentence, but, unfortunately, I'm not too sure this will happen. As far as the statement "where are the parents", let's not be so quick to judge. We, as parents, have to teach our children right from wrong and then they do grow to an age where you hope they are strong enough to practice what is right. Maybe his mom should've been more aware of what was going on in his immediate surroundings (home), but as far as his choices, this young man is 16 years old and his choices are his alone. Instead of pointing fingers, maybe we should be praying for all involved.
Posted by: Anon Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Would you prefer they would have waited until he did? (Learn some spelling and grammar skills)
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 08:50 AM
I hope that he gets the help that he needs and becomes a outstanding member of the community once he is out.
Posted by: Ha Location: Michigan on Jul 16, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Seriously, if you guys thought he was bullied in school, wait till he gets in the "boys school". Everyone wonders whats wrong with the world today. "He was plotting to kill people but he didn't mean it, lets slap him on the wrist and call him a bad boy and when he says he's sorry lets have a big party for him" What a joke.
Posted by: terry Location: mishawaka on Jul 16, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Hey Benny, he may have not killed anyone, but he wanted to. I am not say re-open the ROCK and put him away for life. But a good life lesson would not hurt. I used to work for JJC in South Bend and those kids think all the state juve facilities are a joke.
Posted by: Grammar on Jul 16, 2008 at 06:06 AM
"He did not kill no people?" Benny....it would appear that you are a graduate of the Publik Ejukashun Sistem. Sad......
Posted by: ed Location: penn twp on Jul 16, 2008 at 05:34 AM
get rid of the bullys the problems will go away granger area has most nasty kids in penn school
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:10 AM
Thought crime is here, citizens. You must think pure thoughts and never turn on the Party. Such a sad state of affairs. Yes this child is troubled, but to be put into jail where he is only going to learn how to harm people? Why? I pray for a better America.
Posted by: yeah Location: SBI on Jul 16, 2008 at 02:53 AM
I am sure that most of you would have different oppinions if he carried this plan out while YOUR children were there! "Boys School" give me a break. ALl that does is teach kids how to become better criminals. I use to work at JJC and know all about it. Kids there do nothing but watch tv, play video games, and talk on the phone all day! No learning what so ever!!! And here some of you are...he must have mental problems, let me guess, put him on a bunch of drugs...Give me a break! Again working at JJC, I saw more kids messed up by all the different medications these doctors put them on then it could ever help. He should of been sentenced as an adult!!!!! But that is the Indiana Law shystem for you. Slap him on the wrist and dont give him a harsh sentence until he is back in court at least 4-5 more times! He pleaded guilty for either an easier sentence or because he might of bee actually taking responsibility for his actions!
Posted by: Benny Lite Location: Niles on Jul 15, 2008 at 11:17 PM
It is not against the law, Read the law people, he did not kill no people!
Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Jul 15, 2008 at 11:07 PM
you know the kid did not actually DO anything. i think he has some serious issues, hopefully they will be resolved by the time he is 21. i am sure there have been plenty of people that planned on doing something horrible, and changed their mind before they actually do it. as for this kids parents, they could be dirt bags that raised a psychopath, then again they could have another child that is a volunteer for the red cross or something. i am sure everyone on here knows someone that has 2 or more kids, one is a nut job, the other is a honorable citizen.
Posted by: mike Location: south bend on Jul 15, 2008 at 11:03 PM
thug need to be locked up
Posted by: Just me Location: Mishawaka on Jul 15, 2008 at 10:03 PM
My question is where were the PARENTS??? I know what my children have in their rooms, how is he getting all this stuff and his parents not knowing he had it???
Posted by: A Parent on Jul 15, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Sorry folks, I think that the young guy was acting ourt because somewhere he has been picked on and bullied just the Columbine Culprits. Doesn't make this behavior excusable, however it does bring much needed attention to the Bullying issues that go on in our schools.
Posted by: Anon. on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:00 PM
okay i changed my mind. the sentence is decent, i guess. i used to go to penn and i wouldn't want to see anything like that happen there. hopefully the mom is right in saying that he might be able to learn from all of that.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 15, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Too light of a sentence. Should have kept him until he was 30. You don't make postings like that unless you're serious.
Posted by: Anon. on Jul 15, 2008 at 06:20 PM
i think that's bullcrap and one of the worst sentences. he won't learn anything. once he gets out, he could just go to the school and do it anyway...then people would be dead and it'd be too late. awesome.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 15, 2008 at 06:14 PM
I hope this boy really learns a huge lesson while he is in the boys center. I hope he also realizes just how LUCKY he is and WILL get a 2ND chance at life again. Time will really tell if he will or not. I pray he does.....for everyones sake.

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