Two Harns Marsh Middle School students who were arrested and charged in September for conspiring to commit a mass shooting pleaded not guilty in court Monday.
Both had their arraignments in front of Judge Gilberto Perez where the state announced each are being charged with conspiracy to commit a mass shooting, a second-degree felony.
The 14-year-old boy was present in court with his guardian and his attorney, Lance Dunford with the Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey. Dunford entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the boy.
The 13-year-old boy is being represented by Assistant Public Defender Alexandra Anderes, who waived his appearance Monday and also entered a not guilty plea on his behalf for the same charge.
On Sept. 11, the boys were arrested and placed in the county juvenile center, after a report was made that they were planning a school shooting.
They were removed from school, searched, and underwent mental health examinations. Investigators searched their homes, where Lee County Sheriff’s Office claims a gun and several knives were located.
During a September news conference announcing the boys’ potential charges, Sheriff Carmine Marceno showed pictures of the weapons, including what appeared to be three handmade knives. He did not specify what type of gun was found.
Through the investigation, detectives spoke with students who said the two boys told them about their plan to “shoot up” the school and showed them a map of the school and where the shooting would take place, according to Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrest reports.
After entering their not guilty pleas, Judge Perez scheduled docket soundings on Nov. 3, for both boys.