Scott Gilbert
sgilbert@coloradocommunitymedia.com
A judge has increased the bond for an Elbert County school-threat suspect tenfold after the suspect reportedly told a jail staffer of plans to keep working toward a mass shooting if released.
William "Lily" Whitworth had been jailed March 31 and held on $75,000 bond, but a judge today increased the amount to $750,000 based on the report from the jail.
A press release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office states:
Today, bond was increased to $750,000 cash or surety for William "Lily" Whitworth, the defendant facing multiple charges following an investigation into threats involving schools in Colorado Springs Academy District 20.
On Monday, April 10, 2023, a staff member in the Elbert County Jail notified the Elbert County Sheriff's Office that the defendant indicated if able to bond out, the defendant would still try to carry out the original plans of a mass shooting.
The 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office was notified of this information on April 11, 2023, and filed a motion that day to increase bond and asked for additional protections in the mandatory protection order.
A hearing was held today where a judge modified the cash or surety bond amount to $750,000 from $75,000. The mandatory protection order conditions were also modified to include GPS monitoring and no contact with any public or private school property/institution in the State of Colorado.
The defendant remains in-custody in the Elbert County Jail on the following charges:
Criminal attempt to commit murder in the first degree (two counts)
Criminal mischief
Menacing
Interference with staff, faculty, or students of educational institutions
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on May 3, 2023.
As a reminder, criminal charges are merely accusations against a defendant. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Click here for the Elbert County News' original story on Whitworth's arrest.
