Oct 22, 2009 6:16 am US/Eastern
Neighbors: School Attack Plot Suspect 'Troubled'
CENTRAL VALLEY, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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A student who attends Monroe Woodbury High School in Monroe, N.Y. (pictured here) was arrested after planning a massacre on the school on the anniversary of the Columbine attack.
CBS
More information is coming out about the troubled young man accused of plotting a Columbine-style attack on Monroe-Woodbury High School in Orange County. Neighbors say the 15-year-old has been in a downward spiral for some time.
Near the non-descript home the suspect shared with his parents and sister, neighbor Nora Staffanell said the teen's family has been struggling with his recent behavior. "He was always very sweet to me," she said. "I feel terrible for them. I mean he's still a child and now he probably has no life left."
Police said inside the garage, the suspect was stockpiling items for a planned attack on the Monroe-Woodbury High school next April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine massacre.
"I just hope it wasn't serious, because my little sister comes to this school," said recent graduate Blas Cordero.
"I just think it's being blown out of proportion. The kid did not, I don't think he was ever going to do anything to us," said student Christian Riley.
Police, however, think the suspect was serious. They found four water bottles prepared as molotov cocktails, a 2-foot machete, a blow torch, and a long trench coat similar to the one worn by Columbine killer Eric Harris, on whom, police said, the Monroe suspect was fixated.
"Apparently he resembles him and indicated he may have been bullied because of his looks at one time," said Dom Giudice, Monroe Police Chief.
Police said the suspect seemed relieved when they questioned him about the plot. "He told me that he was bullied, picked on a lot, he did have plans on doing some real tragic events at the high school and he wanted to take his own life as well," said Det. Dave Conklin.
One psychologist said it's significant the teen felt relief when he confessed to police. "He feels like he's in crisis. He feels like he's been powerless at times, and has been looking for a way to share his feelings," said Dr. David Jacobsen.
Police said this young man's parents had no idea he was stockpiling these items or plotting an attack, but they obviously knew he's troubled. He recently was convicted of vandalism.
The entire community is relieved the troubles at his home didn't end with tragedy at his school.
Police learned of the plot when students came forward with information they'd picked up at school. The teen will face weapons charges when he's released from a psychiatric facility.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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