2 Boys Charged in Plot

Two Bellflower high school students who allegedly plotted to kill teachers and students have been charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit murder, authorities said Tuesday.

The St. John Bosco High School students, both 16, were arrested March 7, authorities said. The boys, who were not identified because they are minors, have pleaded not guilty and remain in custody.

Sheriff’s Lt. Brent Brecker said the alleged plot, which had a target date of late April, was thwarted after one of the boys confided in a school counselor.

He said the teen became fearful as the target date approached and his friend didn’t want to back out of the plan. The investigation is continuing, Brecker said. During a recent search of the boys’ homes, detectives recovered a .22-caliber rifle in a garage, along with notes and maps that corroborated the students’ plans, Brecker said.

Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, said one of the teens allegedly went on a shopping trip to search for shotguns that could be used in their plan.

She said the boys, who are being held at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, would be tried as juveniles.