Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Alfred Dupree, 17, of Acworth, Georgia and Victoria McCurley, 17, of Woodstock, Georgia were arrested on Wednesday, October 25, after the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said they planned to attack Etowah High School. The two Cherokee County high school students will face a judge on Thursday, October 26 for allegedly planning to bomb their high school.
When authorities searched Dupree’s home, they found a journal which revealed his plot with McCurley and a list of his of targets.
Dupree and McCurley face charges including criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal attempt to commit arson, terroristic threats and acts, and possession and/or transportation of destructive device/explosive with intent to kill, injure or destroy any public building.
Both teens are being charged as adults.
via Fox 5 Atlanta:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s investigators said someone reported the possible plot to the school tip line Monday evening. Police followed up by executing search warrants on the homes of both students.
Wednesday night, neighbor Christina Sovine told FOX 5 News she saw a lot of police cars outside Dupree’s home Monday. She said she grew up with Dupree and they have been close friends since they were in elementary school.
“He likes to play video games, he’s very into video games. His entire family, his dad, stepmother and sister are all very sweet, this is really surprising,” said Sovine.
Parents of students at the school said it was terrifying. One mom said they were pleased the person who found the journal took it seriously enough to notify police.
Before being arrested and charged, Dupree and McCurley were taken for a medical assessment.
Authorities secured a search warrant for both students’ homes. At McCurley’s house, they found a flammable incendiary device. At Dupree’s house, along with his personal journal detailing the plan, police found firearms and a powdered substance.
Robert Horn, the principal at Etowah High School, sent a letter home to parents following the arrest of Dupree and McCurley, saying there are no other suspects and no active threat against the school at this time.
Dear Parents/Students:
This is to advise that the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) Police Department and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office were notified by a community member of a potential threat on Etowah HS. Immediate action and investigation began, and, as a result, two students are currently in custody. At this time there are no other suspects and no active threat against Etowah HS.
The safety and security of all students and staff members is of utmost importance and CCSD will continue to partner with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office throughout the conclusion of the investigation to insure that this is the case. I will continue to keep you in the loop in this regard. Any threat on school safety/security will not be tolerated and as such these students will also face severe disciplinary action, as well as any applicable criminal charges.
Respectfully,
Robert Horn EHS Principal
Cherokee County School District
