Cops: Youths plotting Tenn. school attack studied Columbine

HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. - Authorities say the two male juveniles arrested for allegedly conspiring to commit a mass shooting at an eastern Tennessee high school made journals detailing the planned attack, reports CBS affiliate WVLT.

Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said Friday the student suspects - whose names and ages have not been released - studied the 1999 Columbine shootings while plotting a violent rampage at Volunteer High School in Hawkins County, Tenn., according to the station.

The juveniles face conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and other charges, the station reports.

Lawson said investigators found school floor plans, guns, firecrackers and gunpowder at the home of one of the students. The sheriff said that, in September 2013, videos of both suspects were posted online featuring the boys holding and firing various guns. They also reportedly show dry ice or Drano-style bottle bombs being exploded at different locations in Hawkins County. One video reportedly shows a gasoline bomb being constructed and detonated.

Assistant District Attorney Ryan Blackwell said Thursday that a detention hearing was held for the boys and that it is possible the case could be transferred to adult court.

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