5 Teens Charged in Alleged High School Shooting Plot

Five 17-year-old boys have been charged with murder conspiracy after officials uncovered an alleged plan by the teenagers to shoot administrators, teachers and a student at their high school.

At least 39 weapons--a mix of handguns, shotguns and rifles--were seized from the boys’ homes, but it was not clear who owned the guns.

The five boys at Labette County High School, in the southeast Kansas town of Altamont, were arrested Saturday and charged Monday. They were expected to remain in a juvenile facility until a bail hearing Jan. 3.

The three seniors and two juniors allegedly tried to recruit other classmates for the attack at a party Thursday, officials said. They were arrested after two students informed a teacher.

High school Principal Greg Cartwright, one of eight allegedly targeted, said he wouldn’t let the worries change his behavior. Also targeted were an associate principal, five teachers and a student.

“I went to school today. I worked today. My son is a student at the high school and he went to school today,” Cartwright said. “I keep my faith in the system.”

The grandfather of one of the boys said the accusations were made up.

“That boy was with me when this was supposed to happen, and I’ll guarantee he didn’t have anything to do with it,” Archie McElroy said.

Relatives of two other teens declined to comment when reached by phone.

Among the weapons found were .22-caliber handguns, shotguns and some high-caliber rifles, said Supt. Dennis Wilson. “The fact that those kinds of weapons were available to kids is very disturbing,” he said.

Wilson said every locker at Labette High was searched Sunday and no weapons were found. The school was open for classes Tuesday.