Two students accused of threats toward school denied bond

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Two students charged in a potentially deadly plot against their Cherokee County high school will remain behind bars.

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Alfred Dupree, 17, of Acworth, and Victoria McCurley, 17, of Woodstock appeared before a judge at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center Thursday, who ordered them both to be held without bond.

The judge bound both cases over to Superior Court. 

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Following the court hearing, Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds told reporters no one was in immediate danger, but one of his detectives described what would have happened at Etowah High School as "another Columbine." 

Deputies arrested the pair Wednesday for allegedly planning to classmates and staffers at Etowah High School.

Authorities said they found a journal belonging to one of the students with a list of targets. 

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Sheriff's investigators said someone reported the possible plot to Woodstock Police 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.

They’ve turned over both substances to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Lab for testing.

Dupree and McCurley face 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. 

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

Dupree and McCurley will remain in the Cherokee County Detention Center without bond.