Two teens were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy for allegedly plotting to stage a mass shooting at a school in Indiana, USA. Law enforcement documents have since named those believed to be involved in what could’ve been a harrowing tragedy.
The shooting plot suspects have been identified as Alexis Pickett, who is also a student at Morristown High School in Shelbyville, Indiana, and Melanie Little of Corinth, Mississippi. Despite being 17 years old, both are being charged as adults, the Associated Press reported on Thursday (US time).
Law enforcement documents cited in the report suggested that they planned an alleged crime over social media, with Pickett sending video of the school’s layout.
What do we know about Indiana school shooting plot suspects?
While Arlington native Pickett was charged in January, Little was charged this week.
The original investigation related to the case dates back to December when Alexis Pickett’s mother Rhonda Nicholson reached out to police with concerns about her child’s behaviour. Nicholson feared that Pickett was showing signs that she had plans to harm herself or others.
This troubling streak included online interactions tied to past school shooters, as per the AP.
Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen praised Nicholson for checking in on her child’s activities, which ultimately helped save a “bunch of lives.”
As part of their alleged criminal plans, Pickett, who is a senior, is said to have suggested a mass shooting around graduation. Meanwhile, Little is believed to have told her parents that Pickett was a grade school friend who had moved away and she wanted to be there for her friend’s commencement in Indiana.
As per the AP’s report, Pickett shared a video of the school’s layout with Little. As per an affidavit cited therein, Picket owns a muzzleloader firearm. In other reported pictures shared with Little, Pickett showed her how she had used a shotgun and a .357 revolver to hit targets. Their conversations are believed to have revolved around on obtaining other guns as well.
Where are Alexis Pickett and Melanie Little now?
Currently, Pickett is being held in jail on $1 million cash bond. Her trial is slated to start April 20. On the other hand, Little is in a Mississippi jail. Her extradition process has been begun.
The both face a single count of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Each carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. Additionally, Pickett is also facing a count of intimidation.