2006 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
JAMES P. LYNCH, ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION

April 5, 2006

Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch and Winslow Township Police Chief Anthony Bello reported that three Winslow Township High School students are being held on charges of Terroristic Threats and Conspiracy, accused of making threats to kill students, teachers and other individuals, both inside and outside the school.

The juveniles, all males, ages 14, 15 and 16, are being held at the Camden County Youth Detention Center in Blackwood pending a hearing scheduled for approximately 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, April 6, 2006. The hearing will be before Family Division Judge Angelo DiCamillo in Courtroom 24 of the Camden County Hall of Justice, 5th Street & Mickle Boulevard, Camden. In accordance with state law, the juveniles’ names and other identifying information are being withheld because of their ages.

Today, Superior Court Judge Charles Rand, Presiding Judge of the Family Division in Camden, ordered the juveniles to remain incarcerated pending tomorrow’s hearing. Judge Rand ordered that Family Court therapists interview the juveniles and render opinions to the Court as to whether they pose a danger to themselves or others.

Investigation indicates that the juveniles had discussed plans to shoot numerous individuals in the school cafeteria during a lunch period this month, as well as at residences and other locations. Personnel from the Winslow Township Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office, including Victim-Witness counselors, have been dispatched to notify a total of approximately 25 individuals, including both juveniles and adults, who were named as potential targets.

Additionally, the 14-year-old juvenile is charged with a second count of Terroristic Threats and one count of Simple Assault, a Disorderly Persons offense, accused of grabbing a female juvenile by the neck on March 15, 2006, at the high school, and telling the victim he would kill her.

As presently charged, none of the juveniles is eligible for waiver to adult court. However, Lynch and Bello pointed out that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected to be filed. In addition, Bello noted that other persons could be charged in connection with this matter.

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.