South Milwaukee High School student arrested after 'hit list' discovered

Updated: 8:57 p.m. on November 14, 2019

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Parents are expressing fear and frustration after a "hit list" was found at an area school for the second time this week.

This one was at South Milwaukee High School. Police have determined it was a joke.

Even after hearing there was no threat to the school, parents were very concerned as they picked up their kids. 

"Her nervous texts in school was like heart-wrenching, said mom Anja Kaishian.

Police say Thursday morning school officials told a school resource officer about a hit list. 

"School resource officer in school at the time contacted the student and recovered a handwritten list of student names," said Police Chief William Jessup. "At the top of the list was the term 'hit list.'"

Chief Jessup says there were no specific threats detailed on the list.

"This was thoroughly investigated, and our conclusion is that this was a joke that clearly is not funny to students or staff."

It's something he wants parents to talk to their kids about.

"The fact that everybody has these fears both with what's going on locally and nationally, students should be making good choices about what they say," Jessup said. "What people might take as a threat versus a joke, putting something like this on paper is not a good decision, even if it's a joking matter."

In this case, the 15-year-old student was arrested and is being referred to municipal court for disorderly conduct.

"As they said, it's a teaching moment," parent Karrie Young said. "However, I don't like to downplay it. Worrying about sending them to school when something like this can take place is gut-wrenching."

In an email, the superintendent also asked parents to talk to their kids about the seriousness of making threats, saying they could be expelled for doing so.

------

Posted: 2:13 p.m. on November 14, 2019

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A South Milwaukee High School student is in custody after the school district says a "hit list" was discovered that included the names of students and staff members. 

The high school administration received a report Thursday, Nov. 14, that a student had created a "hit list." When the list was discovered, the South Milwaukee Police Department became involved.

A police investigation determined that there is no threat to students or staff. The 15-year-old student who created the list was taken into custody and is being referred to municipal court for disorderly conduct, according to the SMPD. 

A letter from the school's superintendent to parents and guardians said, in part:

"This event represents a teachable moment for our children. We recognize that our young people may not understand the consequences of their actions. Please talk to your children about the seriousness of making any threat that pertains to the safety or security of our schools, our students and our staff."

The full letter can be read below: