2 arrested after school shooting threat

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Troopers have arrested two people they say were planning a school shooting.

West Virginia State Police say Russell Kidd, 18, of Charleston, was helping a 17-year-old plan the shooting at Sissonville High School. Kidd was arrested Wednesday, and the 17-year-old was arrested weeks ago.

Kidd has since been released from the West Virginia Regional Jail system on $50,000 surety bond.

Both are charged with terroristic threats.

Kanawha County Schools says a message was sent to Sissonville High School parents at the time of the threat and information was provided to law enforcement.

Below is the message that was sent to parents by Kanawha County Schools on Feb. 5:

“This is a message from Kanawha County Schools. Sissonville High School administrators and law enforcement is aware of a potential written threat list concerning Sissonville High School students. The situation is being investigated and action has already been taken to keep students safe. There may be additional law enforcement presence at the school tomorrow as a precaution. Thank you.”

According to the criminal complaint from Kanawha County Magistrate Court, what appeared to be a student “hit list” was found in Kidd’s backpack with a rough drawing of two different rooms at Sissonville High School -- one appearing to be the cafeteria. On a drawing, according to the complaint, “appears to be a person holding a gun shooting what appears to be a dead body depicted by ‘Xs’ on the persons’ eyes.

The complaint goes on to say, “On the back of these drawings appears to be a list of items needed to carry out the attack, words like ‘pipe bomb,’ ‘shotgun’ and drawings of guns are present.” Investigators say they have reason to suspect other evidence on Kidd’s phone “to participate in a mass shooting of Sissonville High School or other acts of violence.” A search warrant was secured for the contents of the phone.

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