A Tacoma 13-year-old who threatened to carry out a school shooting has been sentenced in juvenile court and ordered into a residential treatment program in Utah. The teen will attend the program as a condition of probation and will receive credit for time already served in custody, with the case handled under juvenile rules that stress both treatment and public safety.
According to KING 5, the judge laid out the Utah placement as a formal probation requirement and clarified that the teen’s prior time in detention would count toward the overall disposition. KING 5 also reported that the youth will remain under court supervision while enrolled in the residential program.
Arrest and evidence
The case first hit law enforcement’s radar in September, when investigators said they discovered social-media posts that appeared to idolize past mass shooters and secured a search warrant. During that investigation, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office seized more than two dozen firearms, along with magazines that were marked with references to mass shootings, KIRO 7 reported.
Juvenile law and treatment orders
Washington’s juvenile justice system is structured to emphasize rehabilitation, including limits on public access to many juvenile records. Courts have several disposition options, such as evaluations and treatment placements, designed to address underlying issues while still responding to public safety concerns. Under RCW 13.40, judges can order juveniles into appropriate treatment programs as part of a disposition and may keep portions of juvenile records confidential…