They planned to attack their classmates and the faculty at Etowah High School, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Two teens were arrested Wednesday as investigators continued to unravel

Alfred Dupree, 17, of Acworth and Victoria McCurley, 17, of Woodstock were booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center. Authorities said they found a journal belonging to one of the students with a list of targets. Investigators said they found an incendiary device and a powdery substance at the home of the other student. Both substances have been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Lab for testing.

Dupree and McCurley are facing a long list of charges including criminal attempt to commit murder, terroristic threats and acts, criminal attempt to commit arson, and possession and/or transportation of destructive device/explosive with intent to kill, injure or destroy any public building. They are being charged as adults and are scheduled to make their first appearance in front of a judge Thursday at noon.

The arrest warrants for both Dupree and McCurley were sealed by a judge.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s investigators said someone reported the possible plot to the school tip line Monday evening. Police followed up by executing search warrants on the homes of both students.

Wednesday night, neighbor Christina Sovine told FOX 5 News she saw a lot of police cars outside Dupree’s home Monday. She said she grew up with Dupree and they have been close friends since they were in elementary school.

“He likes to play video games, he’s very into video games. His entire family, his dad, stepmother and sister are all very sweet, this is really surprising,” said Sovine.

Parents of students at the school said it was terrifying. One mom said they were pleased the person who found the journal took it seriously enough to notify police.

Principal Robert Horn sent a letter explaining the situation to parents on Tuesday. Horn wrote in a letter that there are no other suspects and no active threat against the school at this time.

Here is the full text of the letter sent by Horn:

Dear Parents/Students:

This is to advise that the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) Police Department and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office were notified by a community member of a potential threat on Etowah HS. Immediate action and investigation began, and, as a result, two students are currently in custody. At this time there are no other suspects and no active threat against Etowah HS.

The safety and security of all students and staff members is of utmost importance and CCSD will continue to partner with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office throughout the conclusion of the investigation to insure that this is the case. I will continue to keep you in the loop in this regard. Any threat on school safety/security will not be tolerated and as such these students will also face severe disciplinary action, as well as any applicable criminal charges.

Respectfully,

Robert Horn EHS Principal
Cherokee County School District