Massacre Hopes Voiced on Teen Tape
A 17-year-old accused of plotting a massacre at his high school told police he wanted the event to be “bigger than Columbine” but doubted it would happen, according to an audiotape played in court Monday.
The sometimes-inaudible tape was played at a bail hearing for Eric McKeehan, who has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and other charges.
McKeehan is one of five teenagers charged in the case and one of two charged as an adult. Police say the teens plotted to smuggle guns into New Bedford High School, detonate explosives and kill as many students and faculty as possible.
The alleged plot was foiled in part after one of the teenagers warned a teacher. Prosecutors emphasized Monday that the plan was more than just loose talk.
“The charge is conspiracy, which requires only a meeting of the minds,” Gerald FitzGerald, chief trial counsel to the Bristol County district attorney’s office, said outside of court.
In 1999, two teenagers shot and killed 12 students and a teacher before killing themselves at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.
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