Juvenile in custody following Kennett school threat

KENNETT, Mo. — A juvenile is in police custody following a threat aimed at the Kennett School District.

Kennett Police Dept. Chief Kenny Wilson in a Tuesday evening email reported the juvenile’s identity was known to police within eight hours of the report. 

The juvenile remains in custody pending the filing of formal charges and a first court appearance, Wilson said.

School districts nationwide were crippled last week by what law enforcement called “blanket threats” issued on social media.

Snapchat and Tik Tok seem to be the most popular platforms used to disseminate school shooting threats, including a Snapchat post titled, “Targeted Schools,” reports indicated. 

Some of these threats include lists of schools and urged students to hug their loved ones for what might be the final time.

Southeast Missouri districts affected so far include, tentatively, Kennett, Malden, Clarkton, Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Kelly, Sikeston, Woodland, Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Charleston, Dexter and Twin Rivers, reports stated. 

County and municipal law enforcement officials released statements that indicated districts took proper defensive measures to ensure students’ safety.

And although some reported recent social media activities are little more than empty bluster, law enforcement in the Bootheel is serious about the matter.

Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder released a statement Tuesday, Sept. 17, the same day Kennett schools reopened after shutting down Monday classes and extra-curricular programs because of threats posted Sunday, Sept. 15.

“Recently, there have been online and social media threats affecting our school systems,” Holder said. “One of our top priorities is to ensure the utmost public safety and to make sure Dunklin County citizens feel secure within our community. 

“With the rise in threats, I want to assure parents, citizens, students, and school staff that law enforcement and juvenile officials in our communities will not tolerate anyone making threats and instilling fear in our schools or community,” the sheriff continued. “With the cooperation of the Dunklin County Prosecutor’s Office, those responsible will be prosecuted.”

Holder, Dunklin County’s top law enforcement official for nearly 30 years, encouraged parents to communicate with their children about the severity of re-posting questionable online statements.

“Given the advanced technology available to children and the ease of posting on social media, I urge parents to talk to their children about the seriousness of making or sharing posts that could be perceived as threatening,” Holder sad. “Together with all law enforcement and juvenile officials in the county, we continue to encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity that may be threatening in nature. 

“We understand the frustration and emotional stress this causes for everyone in the community,” he added. “Rest assured, we will continue to investigate each and every threat to ensure the safety of all Dunklin County schools and citizens.”

Malden Dept. of Public Safety Director Jeff Mitchell posted, “The Malden DPS has been made aware of the threats of violence against area wide” school districts. 

“This threat is circulating on social media,” Mitchell said. “This is a blanket threat that is being utilized nationwide and Homeland Security is aware. 

“We have notified the School Resource Officers and School District,” Mitchel continued. “At the moment there is no known immediate threat.” 

Mitchell said his staff would provide “extra patrol in the areas surrounding” the school. 

“We will continue to work diligently with the Malden School District, for a safe school experience for the children and parents,” Mitchell noted.

Kennett School District No. 39 Superintendent Dr. Richie Leeker issued a statement Monday, Sept. 16 about the targeted threats at his district.

“On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the Kennett Administration was informed of a threat made toward Kennett High School,” Leeker said. “The Kennett Administration immediately notified the Kennett Police Department and the Dunklin County Juvenile Office of the incident.

“As of now, the investigation is ongoing,” the superintendent continued. “In an abundance of caution, the Kennett School District No. 39 will not have school on Monday, September 16, 2024. Our top priority is the safety and security of our staff and students. We are grateful for the quick response of our local law enforcement agencies and will continue to monitor the situation and provide information as we are able.”

Mitchell asked students and parents to report threats of violence to the department.

“If you see something, say something by contacting the Malden DPS,” he said.

Holder urged communication and vigilance.

“It is important to stay informed and vigilant,” Holder said. “If you or someone you know encounters a threat, please report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.”

Here is a statement provided by Kennett’s Chief of Police, Kenny Wilson:

On 09-15-2024 at approximately 3:30 PM school officials notified the Kennett Police Department of a threat toward a School in the Kennett School District. Once officers were notified, within 8 hours of receiving the call a juvenile suspect was in custody pending the filing of formal charges. The juvenile is still in custody pending their court appearance. I would like to thank the Kennett School District and the Dunklin County Juvenile Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance with this investigation. This is still an ongoing investigation; at this time we do not feel there is a threat to our schools.