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El Dorado School Plot -- Alleged School Attack Information is Released

As frightening details emerge about an alleged student attack on a Placerville high school, students are reacting with shock and relief that it wasn't carried out.

Two El Dorado High School students, 15 and 16 year old boys, are being held in juvenile hall in Placerville on charges of making criminal terrorist threats and conspiracy to commit murder.

The teenagers came under suspicion after the 15-year-old was overheard in a class talking about bringing a gun to school and shooting students. The conversation was reported to a student resources officer, who in turn reported it to authorities. The boys were arrested March 29.

According to court documents, a search of the boys, their belongings and homes turned up two rifles, four boxes of M-5000 explosives, and a hand-drawn diagram of the school with the phrases "plant bomb", "blow up", "shoot it up" and "end it here." Computers were also seized as well as several "death wish" notes in the 15-year-old's backpack.

The alleged plot is no joking matter for students. "Hearing about students having diagrams and pictures what they plan on doing and stuff it really freaks you out it gives you the feeling that they're being serious about this," said senior Ryan Ellis.

Ellis and other students are crediting the student who reported the overheard conversation as a hero. Two years ago the school implemented what it calls the Safe School Ambassador Program. Several dozen students are trained to be the eyes and ears on campus. "They just want to keep kids safe for the rest of us," Ellis said. "We don't want to end up like Columbine."

The two juveniles were arrested one week after a deadly student shooting in Red Lake, Minnesota. The arraignment for the teenagers is scheduled for April 25.

 

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