West Geauga student indicted on charges of bringing gun to school
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The 18-year-old student accused of planning to shoot classmates at West Geauga High School last month has been indicted on three felony charges.
Brandon Morrissette of Lyndhurst was charged with attempted aggravated murder, possessing a deadly weapon in a school and inducing panic, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said. The indictment was unsealed Tuesday.
If convicted of the charges, Morrissette faces a maximum of 13 years in prison.
He is accused of bringing a gun to school April 3 with plans to “shoot multiple students” in the library, according to court records.
A 17-year-old student found a bullet in the men’s restroom that morning and told a staff member. School officials viewed surveillance footage and saw about 20 students had been in the restroom prior to the bullet being found.
Officials located Morrissette about 9 a.m. and found an unloaded 9 mm handgun and three loaded magazines in his book bag, Craig Young, Chesterland Township’s police chief said. He also had a large knife.
After Morrissette was searched in the school, he was to the township’s police department, where he was interviewed by detectives, Young said.
“During our interview, he admitted to using prior calculation and design in developing a plan to cause harm to students at West Geauga High School,” Young said.
Police also searched Morrissette’s home in Lyndhurst and found “numerous items of evidentiary value,” but Young would not provide details. Police also would not say how Morrissette obtained the gun. He did not have a history of trouble in school.
Following the incident, school officials shared more plans to ensure safety in the school district.
Superintendent Richard Markwardt said safety protocols will include a more visible police presence, enhanced school safety plans and safety-related training for staff and students.
“Over the last several months, the West Geauga School District has been in conversations with the Chester Police Department to explore ways in which we can expand the school resource officer’s presence in our school buildings,” he said.
A hearing for Morrisette is planned for 11:30 a.m. May 3.
