A 17-year-old student has been charged as an adult after authorities say she plotted a mass shooting at Morristown Jr./Sr. High School in Indiana, intending to harm both others and herself, according to court documents.
Alexis Pickett, who goes by Rev and uses he/him pronouns, faces attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and intimidation charges.
She is being held on a $1 million cash bond, with a jury trial scheduled for April 20.
The case emerged on Dec. 5 when Pickett’s mother contacted the Rush County Sheriff’s Department after noticing warning signs of potential violence toward peers and self.
Pickett was temporarily hospitalized for evaluation after expressing both homicidal and suicidal thoughts, WRTV reports.
Court records indicate that Pickett communicated with accomplices over encrypted platforms, including Discord and Telegram. One contact, identified as “Nathan,” resides out of state.
Authorities allege that Pickett and Nathan planned to use firearms owned by Pickett’s stepfather to carry out the attack.
Investigators also discovered a video on Pickett’s phone showing a detailed walkthrough of the school, including entrances, hallways and the cafeteria, which she reportedly shared with co-conspirators.
Prosecutors said Pickett’s fascination with mass shootings was extensive. Court documents reveal an obsession with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, including photos, videos and hand-drawn sketches of the shooters.
Pickett reportedly dressed as a school shooter for Halloween, mimicking media portrayals of violent attacks, according to NewsNation.
Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen said Pickett admitted she intended to kill multiple people and herself if law enforcement had not intervened.
“When asked what would have happened if authorities had not acted, the response was, ‘I would have killed a lot of people and myself,’” Landwerlen said.
Investigators identified additional co-conspirators, including a 19-year-old from Ohio who confirmed participation in the plot.
Authorities continue reviewing digital communications and evidence, and more charges may be filed. Officials emphasized that there is currently no ongoing threat to the school, the IndyStar reports.
The case is being compared to previous Indiana incidents, including Trinity Shockley, who pled guilty last year to conspiracy to commit murder at Mooresville High School, as Resist the Mainstream previously reported.
Authorities cited these examples to underscore the dangers posed by online radicalization and an obsession with mass violence, particularly among adolescents drawn to “true crime” content online.
Law enforcement highlighted the importance of parental vigilance and early intervention.
Pickett’s mother’s timely report played a crucial role in preventing a potential tragedy, emphasizing the need for families to monitor online activity and warning signs in teens.
Experts note that online communities focused on true crime and mass shootings can amplify dangerous behavior.
Adolescents exposed to glorification of past shooters may develop a fixation on replicating similar acts, making early reporting and intervention critical.
Pickett remains in custody, awaiting trial.
As investigators continue to examine digital communications and possible additional accomplices, the case serves as a stark reminder of the influence of online extremist content on youth and the essential role of parents and law enforcement in preventing school violence.
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