Homedale Police investigate alleged student "hit list"

CREATED Sep. 20, 2012

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  • TIna Jensen reports. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com

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Homedale Police are investigating a “hit list” allegedly created by a Homedale High School Student.

The student, a male juvenile, was arrested Wednesday night and remains in custody at the Caldwell Juvenile Detention Center.

But that hasn't eased the fears in the community.

130 students - more than a third of Homedale High School Students - didn't attend school today.

"In all the classes we lock the doors because everyone is jumpy and questioning everything," said Madison Fisher, a Homedale High School. "We had a class of normally 36 and there were only 15 people in there so we pretty much did nothing.”

Homedale Police have been patrolling the school off and on.

Police Chief Jeff Eidelmiller says they originally found out about the list from an anonymous tip from a parent. They have not been able to verify there was a weapon on school grounds.

Eidelmiller said they have not executed a search warrant on the suspects bedroom to search for weapons, and would not comment about whether that would be part of the investigation.

School Superintendent Rob Sauer says the principal placed the suspect on a 5-day suspension immediately, and Sauer says he added an additional 10 days to the suspension. Under Idaho statute, the school board can add additional time to that - with the option to hold hearings to expel the student.

Sauer says high school staffers sent out an email to parents and students after the hit list was discovered and contacted the students, and parents of students, who were named on the list.

“We'll continue that process but we also recognize we also need to pursue other avenues of communication with our parents and our students,” Sauer said.

Students say the suspect - a junior - was bullied.

"We shouldn’t be bullying people,” Fisher said. “I don't think it was right for him to do what he did, but then again, I think everyone should learn a lesson - you shouldn't bully people because it does affect people."