NEWS- Continued: Alleged bomber trial goes on

Families of three local teenagers who'd hoped to have their incarcerated children home on St. Patrick's Day were disappointed when the closed bomb trial was continued until March 28.

The prosecution rested its case March 17 after a day-long hearing. A 15-year-old from Albemarle High and two 13-year-olds from Jouett Middle School are charged with plotting in an Internet chat room to blow up Albemarle and Western Albemarle highs.

A 16-year-old from Western who previously pleaded guilty to two felony charges awaits sentencing April 5.

Because of the 13-year-olds, Judge Susan Whitlock ordered the hearing at Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court closed. If convicted, all three teens could be held in detention until they're 21.

Police confiscated three computers, two shotguns and other, undisclosed items from searches of the homes of at least three of the suspects.

One of the parents of the boys said police took the shotguns, as well as some firecrackers, a smoke bomb, and box of kitchen matches from his locked gun safe.

Three of the juveniles were arrested January 31 and February 1 and 2. Another 13-year-old was arrested at school February 15. All have been held in custody since then at Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Center.

The teens are charged with two felony counts of conspiring to blow up a schoolhouse and conspiring to commit murder.

Albemarle High was allegedly one of the targets of a bomb plot.
FILE PHOTO BY JEN FARIELLO

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