Video News Clips: In Their Own Words

FL Teens Accused Of Bizarre Attempted Murder Plot Ordered Held Without Bond

Joe Gratz/Flickr

Two Florida teenagers accused of plotting to murder a fellow student at their high school are being held without bond after prosecutors detailed what authorities describe as a disturbing and premeditated plan.

Investigators say the suspects — 14-year-old Lois Lippert and 15-year-old Isabelle Valdez from Lake Brantley High School — now face charges as adults for attempted premeditated murder, WESH 2 News reported. A judge ruled Wednesday that both teens would remain in custody as the case proceeds.

The outlet reported that Valdez, who authorities say identifies as transgender and goes by Jimmy, allegedly orchestrated the plot and stalked the intended victim. Lippert allegedly helped gather items intended for the attack and supported the plan.

“I certainly understand that parents want their children home, but this is not the case,” Assistant State Attorney Domenick Leo told the court during the hearing.

Prosecutors say the two students became fixated on a male classmate because they believed he resembled the gunman who carried out the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Authorities say the girls believed killing the boy would somehow bring the shooter back to life.

Investigators say the teens brought a knife to Lake Brantley High School in January, along with flowers, candy and cigarettes that they allegedly intended to use in what prosecutors described as a ritual tied to the planned killing.

“The plan was to grab the young man, push him into a stall, stab him or slice his throat,” Leo told the court. “It was a desire to create a blood bond to bring the fellow back to life.”

The alleged plot unraveled when another student alerted authorities. The tip was submitted Jan. 22 through the FortifyFL system, which routes anonymous safety reports to school officials and law enforcement. School administrators and police quickly responded after receiving the warning that a student planned to kill another classmate the following day.

Authorities say both suspects arrived at school Jan. 23 before officers intervened. By 7:38 a.m., police contacted school security and removed Valdez from class. Prosecutors played video in court showing the two teens sitting in the back of a police car after their arrest. In the footage, the girls appeared to joke about the charges and potential punishment.

“We’re probably going to get like a minimum of four years or so,” Valdez said in the video.

“I’m not getting four years,” Lippert replied.

“Yes you are. You helped,” Valdez responded.

At another point in the video, Valdez said she regretted not carrying out the plan earlier.

“I should have done it in the morning. He was right there. I was following behind him,” she said.

Authorities say the quick tip from another student prevented the attack from taking place and likely saved the intended victim’s life. The investigation remains ongoing as both suspects pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, but prosecutors prepare to move forward with the attempted murder case.

(Featured Image Media Credit: Joe Gratz/Flickr)