DA confirms Landon Middle Schooler tried to kill adult at home; planned to shoot student at school

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Charges against a Topeka teen were filed on Tuesday morning after he was stopped for a threat assessment at school and a loaded semi-automatic handgun was found last week.

In a news release, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay says the 14-year-old Landon Middle School student attempted to kill an adult at his home before coming to school with plans of shooting another student during the lunch period.

On Tuesday morning, Jan. 11, the D.A.’s Office filed charges against a teen who was arrested after a threat assessment at Landon Middle School last Friday. Prior to Tuesday morning, it had only been reported that the 14-year-old boy faced a charge of possessing a weapon as a juvenile as well as attempted murder charges.

In an interview for Midday in Kansas, Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay explained that law enforcement “Ultimately took them [the teen] into custody, and through the course of the investigation identified a firearm.”

The firearm was later revealed to be a loaded semi-automatic handgun.

Landon Middle School student booked for attempted murder after bringing weapon to school

On Monday, Topeka Public School Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson praised a Landon Middle School student and principal for foiling the 14-year-old’s plans.

According to a message sent to parents and staff, Anderson said the principal stopped the student as he entered school grounds and a threat assessment was conducted.

He was then arrested. TPS 501 says at no time was the safety of students or staff within the school threatened.

In his interview, Kagay echoed those words, saying the public also is not in danger.

“[There’s] absolutely no reason for anyone to be concerned about an ongoing threat. This was an individual acting alone. No one else was involved.”

Kagay told 13 NEWS that Tuesday morning his office charged the suspect with two counts of attempted premeditated 1st-degree murder and 2 weapons charges; one for possessing a weapon as a juvenile and one for bringing it on school grounds.

The Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office has yet to decide whether or not the juvenile will be charged as an adult. However, Kagay says it will be considered because of the seriousness of the charges.

“The determination as to whether or not to petition the court and seek a waiver of charges has not been made yet,” Kagay explained. “That will be made at a later date.”

The D.A. praised all involved.

“I think this is a sobering reminder of the realities we’re dealing with today. I want to commend both the student and the member of staff, and certainly law enforcement that all played a key role in making sure that this tragedy was prevented.”

Kagay’s full interview with 13 NEWS Anchor Jared Broyles aired Tuesday, January 11, 2022, on Midday in Kansas.

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