Hinsdale South Student Who Threatened School, Peers Will Remain in Custody

The Hinsdale South student whose Snapchat death threat and warning of a school shooting sent the Darien community into a frenzy will stay in juvenile custody until a physologist can examine him, a judge said Wednesday.

The high school student was charged with eight felonies earlier this month when he promised his school a “Southocaust” and police found a handful of weapons, including knives, explosives and guns, in his home alongside Nazi flags and a German soldier WWII uniform.

DuPage Judge Michael Wolfe said the student has had “glowing reports for behavior and academic performance while in custody,” the Chicago Tribune reported. However, Wolfe said he felt uncomfortable releasing the minor before he had a full psychological exam.

A psychologist has previously met with the teen, Assistant Public Defender Jennifer Seaholm said Wednesday. The psychologist initially diagnosed the student with anxiety but was unable to complete a follow-up appointment when the teenager’s mom was unable to be reached.

Assistant State’s Attorney Louisa Nuckolls asked that the student remain in custody, since prosecutors are concerned about his ability to collect weapons while left alone and the fact that he could be expelled from school, which could be damaging to him.

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Superintendent Bruce Law was at Wednesday’s hearing and said it hasn’t been decided whether or not the student would be expelled, the Tribune reported. It’s a decision that won’t be made until after the teen has been released, and the school district’s highest priority is the safety of other students.

The student is scheduled to see a psychiatrist next Monday and will be in court again Oct. 26 for an update on his condition.

Continue to check Patch for updates on this developing story.

Related Patch Coverage:

• Hinsdale South Student Charged With 8 Felonies for Threatening Fellow Student
  
• Hinsdale South Case Raises Parenting Question: Is It OK to Breach Your Teen's Privacy?

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