Schaumburg teen who gave gun to classmate released from custody

A 14-year-old accused of giving a gun to a friend who then, according to authorities, took it with her as she headed to Schaumburg High School was released to her father Tuesday and put on home confinement.

The 14-year-old, who attends school in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54, is charged as a juvenile with possession of a stolen firearm after apparently taking the gun from her father's locked safe and giving it to 17-year-old Ashley Ross of Schaumburg.

The younger teen has been in custody since last week -- even after Ross was released on $1,000 bail.

Attorney Nick Lagattuta on Tuesday argued she is not a danger to society. He said her father has gotten rid of his guns and will be able to watch her at home.

Prosecutors, who argued the girl should remain in custody, said they believe she is a danger and said her charge is serious.

Authorities say the 14-year-old gave the .38-caliber semiautomatic gun and a box of bullets to Ross after Ross apparently requested it to defend herself against kids who wanted to fight her at school.

But authorities said Ross later admitted having the gun because she had "felt like killing" her former girlfriend and the girl's boyfriend.

The loaded gun was found in Ross' car, which was parked off the Schaumburg High campus.

Lagattuta said the younger girl can go back to school, which swayed a Cook County judge Tuesday to release her from custody. Other than going to class, she must remain home at all times.