Post by : Meena Ariff

A 16-year-old boy from Halifax has been given a sentence of four months of deferred custody along with 18 months of probation after admitting to several weapons-related charges. This arrangement will permit him to stay within the community while being closely monitored, akin to an adult conditional sentence.

The teen was apprehended on April 23 in the early morning hours after he reached out to a suicide hotline, disclosing struggles with depression, suicidal thoughts, and a fixation on school shootings. He shared an unsettling admiration for the Columbine incident of 1999 and admitted to previously considering an attack on his own school.

During a search of his residence, law enforcement discovered firearms, ammunition, racist materials targeting Black and Jewish individuals, a suicide note, and a list of intended victims.

Initially, the young man faced 33 charges but ultimately entered a guilty plea on six counts concerning unauthorized firearm possession, one count for carelessly storing ammunition, and one for possessing brass knuckles. Other charges related to threats and hate promotion were dismissed following a review of the evidence.

The presiding judge highlighted that the case demonstrated the potential for “extreme violence,” stressing the gravity of the situation. She also acknowledged the youth’s progress, noting that he had kept up with his academic responsibilities and completed various educational programs while in custody.

As part of his probation, the teen is prohibited from approaching Citadel High School within 50 meters, contacting particular students, accessing certain social media sites, and possessing any weapons. Furthermore, he must report his internet browsing activities to the authorities.

The judge remarked that despite the youth's prior dangerous trajectory, ongoing treatment and structured oversight could pave the way for him to foster a more promising future.

#Canada News #Canada Updates #police news