2 Students Charged With Attempted Murder In Etowah Threat

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Two students have been charged in connection to threats made against Etowah High School earlier this week. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office has outlined the charges the two teenagers -- Alfred Dupree of Acworth and Victoria McCurley of Woodstock -- are facing after the alleged threats were reported Monday to the sheriff's office.

The agency's Criminal Investigations Division continues its investigation into the allegations, and have spent the last two days uncovering evidence during a search at the residences of both students.

Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sgt. Marianne Kelley said detectives found a personal journal/diary, a "homemade incendiary device, which was described as a flammable substance, and an undetermined powder (sic) substance."

Both of these substances were turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for testing. In the meantime, Dupree and McCurley, both 17, are each charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, four counts of 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 pubic building.

The arrest warrants have been sealed by a judge, so no other details have been made public at this time, Sgt. Kelley added. Both students are set to make their first appearance before a Magistrate Court judge around noon Thursday.

The Cherokee County School District on Wednesday released a statement, informing parents that the two students were arrested on "very serious charges related to alleged plans to harm students and staff at their school."

"We will not tolerate violence -- or threats of violence -- at any our schools," the district added. "This stand will be reflected in the severe administrative disciplinary actions we will take against these students. Our community is strongest when we work together to keep all of us – especially our children – safe. We deeply appreciate the community member who reported information to the Woodstock Police Department tip line that ultimately led to these arrests by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office."

CCSD went on to say its School Police Department and administrative staff worked hand-in-hand with the sheriff's office, a reflection of its long-standing partnership it has with the agency to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Anyone with information about threats, the district added, is asked to immediately report it to police. Students and parents can also use the Cherokee County School Police hotline at 770.720.4061.

Etowah Principal Robert Horn previously informed parents of the allegations made against the two students in a letter sent home. He stressed that the school is no longer facing any active threats.

"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," Horn said. "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."

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Photo: from left, Alfred Dupree of Acworth and Victoria McCurley of Woodstock. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office