Mich. teens face murder conspiracy, other charges

Instagram tips police to alleged school plot

Three Michigan teens face murder conspiracy and other charges for an alleged school rampage plot first discovered on Instagram, Argentine Township police said Sunday.

Argentine Township Police Chief Daniel Allen told USA TO- DAY the teens were targeting Linden High School and nearby Linden Middle School. Allen said the investigation was prompted by information obtained by a school resource officer Oct. 28.

The teens were arrested the next day, but information about the case was not released until police and the FBI were satisfied that everyone involved was in custody, Allen said.

Ryan Stevens, 18, and two 15year-olds were charged as adults with conspiracy to commit firstdegree premeditated murder and false report or threat of terrorism. The conspiracy charge is punishable by life in prison; the terrorism charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Allen said more charges could be filed. “Sadly, these things happen a lot across the country and you have to take them seriously,” Allen said. “I took it seriously. The FBI took it seriously. Obviously, by the charges, the prosecutor took it seriously.”

Allen said Stevens was the first person arrested. He is a former Linden student, but Allen had few other details on the teens’ connection to the schools. He said a motive was emerging, but he wouldn’t discuss it.

Schools Superintendent Russ Ciesielski said in a statement the district determined police had control of the situation and no lockdown was required.

“The quick actions of our administrative staff, and law enforcement officials, helped to keep our schools out of harm’s way,” Ciesielski said.

Instagram is a social media site used primarily for sharing photos and videos.

Allen provided no details on what was posted that led to the investigation.

Argentine Township is about 65 miles northwest of Detroit.

“Sadly, these things happen a lot across the country and you have to take them seriously.” Daniel Allen, Argentine Township Police Chief