Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Judge Denies Bond for Florida Teens Accused of Plot to Kill Classmate in 'Blood Ritual'

Prosecutors played patrol-car video of the Lake Brantley High students laughing after their arrests to argue they pose an ongoing danger.

Overview

  • Isabelle Valdez, 15, and Lois Lippert, 14, are charged as adults with attempted premeditated murder and related counts after an alleged plan to kill a classmate.
  • An anonymous FortifyFL tip on Jan. 22 prompted school and police intervention the next morning, preventing the attack at Lake Brantley High in Altamonte Springs.
  • Police say a search of Valdez’s backpack found a knife and other items; prosecutors allege Lippert supplied gloves, flowers, chocolate and cigarettes and helped sharpen the knife at school.
  • Court filings describe a fixation on Adam Lanza, with prosecutors alleging the killing was intended to create a 'blood bond' to resurrect the Sandy Hook shooter.
  • Defense attorneys raised mental-health concerns and sought release for treatment, but the judge ordered the teens held without bond and said evaluations could be ordered, with the next hearing set for April 29.