Scott Gilbert
sgilbert@coloradocommunitymedia.com
A 19-year-old Elbert County resident is facing two charges of attempt to commit first-degree murder in connection with threats involving a Colorado Springs school district.
An arrest affidavit identifies the defendant as William Whitworth and notes that the suspect uses the name Lily, which is used throughout the rest of the affidavit.
Elbert County sheriff’s personnel arrested Whitworth at home a few miles south of Kiowa on March 31 and noted in the affidavit that a drunken Whitworth described plans to carry out a shooting, with Timberview Middle School referred to as one of the “main targets” and with plans including a “layout of the school, active firearm planning and starting a manifesto.” Other potential targets were described as churches, Prairie Hills Elementary School and Pine Creek High School.
Whitworth described attending Timberview Middle School as recently as seventh grade with only home schooling afterward, the affidavit says.
The sheriff’s office responded to the home after a report from Whitworth’s sister. The affidavit says the sister described a disturbance at the home and told sheriff's personnel Whitworth had made threats to shoot up a school on March 31 and March 29.
The affidavit says Whitworth showed sheriff’s personnel the manifesto with a list of firearms and how to 3D-print them, a list of “numerous named individuals to be killed” and information about building improvised explosive devices. Other writings included references to the Columbine and Sandy Hook killers.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Whitworth has been charged with criminal mischief, menacing and interference with educational institutions. Whitworth was jailed on $75,000 bond with a preliminary hearing set for May 5 in Elbert County District Court.
