Tip led APS to school shooting threat

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque Public School officials say two sixth-graders are facing expulsion after plotting a deadly school shooting at their northwest Albuquerque school .

According to a letter sent home to parents at Tony Hillerman Elementary School Friday, school officials had learned of the boys plans to harm themselves and other students.

APS says the boys were planning to carry out the shooting on Dec. 12 during third period after which they intended commit suicide by "hanging or shooting themselves . "

The letter sent home explains that the boys, who have not been identified, were suspended. District spokeswoman Monica Armenta said the boys could be expelled .

APS officials say a fellow student notified school staffers that one of the boys was thinking about killing himself. As part of that evaluation, health experts interviewed a second student, when the two revealed their plot to hurt more than just themselves.

According to a police report, a girl told investigators that one of the boys was "stalking her" and "constantly trying to kiss her." The police report says one of the boys is the stepson of a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy.

Armenta would not comment on a possible motive or about the boys  citing privacy laws.

"We believe we have averted the threat," said Armenta. "We've contained it, and the students at Tony Hillerman are safe."

More police officers were on hand when students were let out of school Friday afternoon, but emotions were still high.

"Why are they saying they may probably be expelled? " said parent Holly Kernodle.   "There should be no two ways about it.  Those children should be expelled."

Students at Tony Hillerman told News 13 that both boys are known as bullies. They say the two were talking about their plan on the bus.

News 13 has learned neither student has been in trouble with the law before, and neither have been on CYFD's radar previously.

APS will hold a hearing in the next 10 days to decide if the boys will be permanently expelled.

The Juvenile Probation Office will decide if the two boys should be charged.

APS police along with Albuquerque police and mental health counselors were all called in to help investigate and evaluate the seriousness of the risk.