2006 Media Releases:

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

April 6, 2006

Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch and Winslow Township Police Chief Anthony Bello reported that a fourth juvenile was arrested and charged last night in connection with an alleged plot to kill Winslow Township High School students and teachers, as well as other juveniles and adults, both inside and outside the school.

Judge Angelo DiCamillo of the Family Division of Superior Court in Camden, ordered the fourth juvenile – a 15-year-old male from Hammonton, N.J., who is a student at Hammonton High School – to be held along with three males, ages 14, 15 and 16, arrested Tuesday night, April 4, 2006.

In accordance with state law, the juveniles’ names and other identifying information are being withheld because of their ages. All four are being held at the Camden County Youth Detention Center in Blackwood.

Judge DiCamillo scheduled a hearing for all four juveniles for 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2006, in Courtroom 24 of the Camden County Hall of Justice, 5th Street & Mickle Boulevard, Camden. The judge also ordered psychological and psychiatric evaluations for all four.

All four juveniles are charged with one count each of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Terrorism, Terroristic Threats and Conspiracy to Commit Terroristic Threats. 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. He is 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.

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

No weapons were recovered and no weapons charges have been filed.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has 30 days to decide whether to file a motion seeking to waive any or all of the juveniles to adult court. No decision has been reached at this time.

Lynch and Bello added that the investigation is continuing and 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.