Teens accused of plotting MontCo high school attack denied bail
By: Freeman Klopott
Examiner Staff Writer
April 30, 2009
The two students accused of planning to kill their principal with a nail bomb and blow up Springbrook High School in Silver Spring were held without bail Thursday.
Eighteen-year-old Yonata Getachew’s attorney, David Putzi, argued that his client should have been released on bail because accusations by police regarding a conspiracy for the attack were thin and based on statements to police made by both teens who are in school programs the developmentally disabled.
Charles Lazar, the attorney for 17-year-old Anthony Torrence, said in court that he believed it was in his client's best interest that he not be released and remain in a medical unit. After the bail hearing, Lazar said he planned to have Torrence examined by a psychologist so Lazar could better understand Torrence’s emotional issues. Lazar added that he believed his client was competent to stand trial.
The two teens were arrested Tuesday after firefighters were called to Springbrook to put out a fire in a boy's locker room, police said. No one was injured, but the walls were charred.
Soon after the fire, Getachew and Torrence were stopped by a school resource officer as they were trying to leave school grounds, police said. The two separately admitted to police that they were planning an attack that included breaking open a gas line and causing a large explosion in the school, police said.
When police searched Getachew’s home early Wednesday morning, authorities said they found bomb making equipment, including wicks, nails and explosive chemicals. Putzi said the evidence could have been found at anyone's house. Police said they took a laptop and a letter from a hobby store from Torrence’s home.
fklopott@washingtonexaminer.com
