Hinsdale South student still held pending psychological exam
The Hinsdale South student accused of making threats to students at his high school and acquiring the weapons to carry them out will remain in a juvenile facility until a psychologist can complete his examination,
Since the 16-year-old's arrest and detention two weeks ago, Judge Michael Wolfe said, reports indicate the Darien boy has modeled "exceptional behavior" in the classroom, "very good" overall behavior and has "maintained a positive attitude while being very polite to staff."
Despite the positive report, Wolfe said it is in everyone's best interest that the teen be detained until at least Oct. 26 to ensure the psychologist can complete the exam.
Assistant Public Defender Jennifer Seaholm told the judge the teen has been preliminarily diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The teen was charged earlier this month with possession of an explosive or incendiary device, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of firearms without a FOID card and disorderly conduct.
Prosecutors alleged the teen posted several times on Snapchat since April showing himself with guns and other weapons. But a student came forward to alert authorities after the teen posted a specific threat against a student and made reference to the "Hinsdale Southocaust."
Prosecutors said police found a flare gun that had been converted to a working gun, as well as a shotgun, a sawed-off rifle, more than 150 rounds of ammunition, knives, ski masks and brass knuckles in the boy's bedroom. They also found Nazi posters and flags, a World War II German soldier's uniform, a Soviet flag and paper targets.
Police said they found an incendiary device in the boy's closet that contained black powder, razor blades and ball bearings. In addition, Assistant State's Attorney Louisa Nuckolls said the boy had PVC pipe and other materials commonly used in building pipe bombs.
Nuckolls renewed her concern about the teen being able to return home after he already had accumulated the weaponry and other items in the house. She also said Hinsdale High School District 86 officials likely will begin the expulsion process, leaving the teen "at home with absolutely nothing to occupy his time."
Superintendent Bruce Law attempted to attend Wednesday's hearing, but was not allowed in the courtroom. Following the hearing, Law said the district has not yet begun the expulsion process and would not do so until the teen is released and cleared to return to school.
"We're concerned about the well-being of the student," Law said. "But our priority is protecting the school."
The teen is scheduled to see the psychologist Monday and he will return to court Oct. 26 for a status update. At that point, Seaholm is likely to again ask that the teen be returned home to his mother and grandparents on some sort of home confinement or GPS monitoring device.