Sibling of Stoddard County girl who allegedly plotted to kill classmates remains in state custody

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Stoddard County Juvenile Court has retained jurisdiction over not only the Puxico student accused of threatening to kill 29 of her schoolmates, but also her younger brother, the Daily American Republic reported.

The decision to retain jurisdiction over the Puxico boy was made by Juvenile Judge Joe Satterfield during a hearing Tuesday morning.

Satterfield earlier had issued a similar order in regard to the boy's sister, who is accused of making threats to bring a gun to school and kill people on her March birthday. She allegedly posted a photograph of herself holding what appeared to be a high-powered rifle on the social networking site Facebook, and had a list naming her intended targets.

At this time, the girl remains in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center at Bloomfield, while her brother may soon be returning home with their parents. The boy currently is in the custody of the Missouri Children's Division and resides with his grandparents.

The Puxico boy had been removed from his home during the execution of a search warrant in regards to the allegations against his sister.

The boy was removed due to what juvenile authorities described as unsanitary living conditions. Those conditions reportedly included trash and clutter, as well as animal feces and urine, throughout the house.

Representing the Stoddard County Juvenile Office, Rance Butler told Satterfield it was his "understanding" from talking with Poplar Bluff attorney, Danny Moore, who represents both of the children, that Moore was going to "stipulate to the court retaining jurisdiction in (the boy's) case without any admissions" in regards to the unsanitary living conditions of the home.

The Juvenile Office and Children's Division, Butler said, are working toward reunification of the child with his parents. Reunification reportedly is required by law.

"Is a (family treatment) plan in place?" Satterfield asked.

Moore confirmed there was.

The house, according to Moore, has been "cleaned up to satisfactory standards."

Counseling sessions, he said, also are planned with the "the ultimate goal of reuniting parents and child."

Juvenile authorities report a family treatment plan is in place, which is how progress will be monitored. That plans calls for a minimum of at least two home visits per month and the parents to maintain a drug free and crime free lifestyle, maintain housing that would be appropriate and maintain a relationship with the child.

After hearing from all parties, including Robin Northern, the boy's guardian, and the boy's parents, Satterfield said, the court would exercise jurisdiction in the case as officials continue working with the family since the house had been cleaned and counseling was in place.

While the "case goal" is returning the boy to his parents, he is not back home yet, according to juvenile authorities.

"The court will review this matter in 30 days to see if sufficient progress has been made to do it then," said Chief Juvenile Officer Mike Davis.

During Tuesday's hearing, Davis told Satterfield the court had "assumed jurisdiction" over the boy's sister earlier this month after it found the allegations against the girl to be true.

"The court continued the child in detention for the time being," Davis said. "Additional assessments and evaluations are scheduled ..."

Based on past mental health reports, authorities believe the girl would benefit from the programs and services provided by the Cottonwood Treatment Center, a Department of Mental Health Facility, at Cape Girardeau.

Placement for the girl in a Department of Mental Health treatment facility, Davis said, can not be made until the testing is completed.

Davis said the girl remains in the secure detention center, where she is progressing with her school work. The girl also is being provided counseling at the center, where her parents are visiting on a regular basis, he said.

Davis also told Satterfield the Puxico School District has not suspended the girl at this time, but will do so upon her release from juvenile detention.

Before concluding the hearing, Satterfield asked about the current living arrangements for the boy, as well as about his schooling and visitation with his parents.

Moore said the boy has been staying with his grandparents and attending school.

The boy's grandmother told Satterfield she had been bringing him to Puxico each day for school.

"The cases may take different directions, and the supervision of the boy's case will probably be terminated long before hers," Davis said after the hearing.