On Sunday, February 25, 2024, patrol officers from the Midlothian Police Department responded to a concerning situation after receiving reports of threatening text messages targeting a local juvenile. The report indicated that a child had received alarming messages from an unknown number, with one message suggesting a potential school shooting. These messages were part of a group chat involving several students from Walnut Grove Middle School.
Initially, officers faced difficulty in tracing the source of the texts as the number was linked to a burner-application known for providing "spoof" phone numbers. However, through continued investigation, officers were able to make progress.
In response to the situation, additional officers were dispatched to the Walnut Grove campus as a precautionary measure. Collaboration between patrol officers, investigators, and officers from the School Resource Unit ensued, leading to the positive identification of the suspect earlier today.
The individual in question is a 14-year-old student attending Walnut Grove Middle School. They are now facing charges under Texas Penal Code Section 22.07(a)5 for making terroristic threats, classified as a 3rd Degree Felony. The suspect has been detained and will be held at the Ellis County Juvenile Detention Center in Waxahachie. The identity of the juvenile will not be disclosed at this time.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have stated that there is currently no reason to believe that the threats were valid or that there is any credible danger posed to the school community. Nevertheless, the investigation continues to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff at Walnut Grove Middle School.
