HOUSTON – Two students charged for allegedly making school threats at Madison High School are out on bond, but a judge has ordered 24-hour house arrest and a mental evaluation for both.
In court Tuesday, the judge said the suspects cannot have contact with any students or staff at the school.
“It’s very disturbing, and we certainly take it very seriously,” Prosecutor Nancy Ta said. “We’re glad that we’re here at this stage and not, especially post-Uvalde, we’re glad that we’re here at this stage and not on the school grounds of Madison High School with dead kids on the ground.”
Ninth grader Cornell Thomas is one of two Madison High School students charged with making a terroristic threat. The 18-year-old allegedly admitted that he and 17-year-old Damian Arias had plans to shoot up the school during lunch last Friday.
Prosecutors said another student heard them say they were planning to chain up the exit doors and start shooting students when they tried to escape.
Thomas’ attorney believes the case should be dismissed.
“I believe the allegations have been grossly misconstrued. We look forward to proving his innocence at a future date,” attorney Brennen Dunn said.
Glennette Hurtz, a parent with a child at Madison High School, said Thomas and Arias should be behind bars.
“Why would they even be thinking about something like? That it’s evil,” she said. “If they get out, they could try to do it again.”
KPRC 2 captured a video of Arias when he appeared in probable cause court.
Making a terroristic threat is a third-degree felony. Both students face two to 10 years in prison.
KPRC 2 legal analyst Brian Wice said it’s a serious charge, but if convicted, the punishment could vary.
“Given the facts of this case and the notion that they are still kids, albeit, kids charged as adults, I’d be very surprised if either of them ever spent a day inside a prison cell,” Wice said.
The prosecutor said this is a reminder for anyone who hears or sees a threat, or anything suspicious, to report it to authorities.