Investigators say two Georgia teens will face felony charges, including intent to commit murder, after they made a threat against their high school, according to WGCL, a CBS affiliate in Atlanta.
Deputies identified the teens as Alfred Dupree, 17, of Acworth and Victoria McCurley, 17, of Woodstock. Investigators said both teens will be charged as adults.
Authorities said both teens attended Etowah High School in Cherokee County, which is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Atlanta.
WGCL reported a “concerned community member” provided investigators with the tip that led to the charges. WSB, an ABC affiliate in Atlanta, reports the tipster was a parent.
A spokesperson with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department said investigators went to the teens’ homes and found a personal journal, a homemade incendiary device which was described as a flammable substance and an undetermined powder substance. Both substances were turned over to the [Georgia Bureau of Investigation] to have them tested and determine the chemical material,” deputies said.
The school district released a statement to WGCL stating, “On behalf of the Superintendent, we recognize these as very serious charges, and that will be reflected in the severe administrative disciplinary actions the School District will take against these students. We will not tolerate violence of any kind at our schools. We deeply appreciate the community member who reported information to the Woodstock Police Department tip line that ultimately led to these arrests by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. Our School District Police Department and administrative staff assisted with the investigation in a continuation of our longtime partnership with the Sheriff’s Office to maintain a safe and secure environment for our students and employees. We take all threats to the safety and security of our students and employees very seriously. Anyone with information about threats is asked to immediately report it to police.”
The sheriff’s department said the teens have been charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, four counts of terroristic threats and acts, criminal attempt to commit arson and possession and/or transportation of destructive device/explosive with intent to kill, injure or destroy any public building.
Their arrest warrants have reportedly been sealed by a judge. Deputies said both teens make their first court appearance Thursday.
[Featured image: Cherokee County Jail]
