CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - Catrina Petit, an 18-year-old high school senior, appeared in court on Sunday to face eight charges after allegedly creating a fake school shooting threat that went viral on social media.
Investigators said Petit used a classmate’s school-issued computer to send the message, which read in part: “Mark the date – May 5th, 2023 Friday … I will make history as the top school slaughter.”
Petit’s sister and pastor spoke in her defense at the bond hearing over the weekend.
“She goes to school, church and home. And loves grocery shopping with our mom. And running errands with me, her big sister,” said Cerena Sergena Petit.
“She is one of the most respectful, humble, polite, obedient, submissive, and thoughtful young woman that I have ever met in my 30 years of ministry,” said Pastor Aurilus Desmornes with the House of Blessing.
Despite the family’s support, Petit’s bond was set at $80,000.
Police said that she confessed to the crime after being arrested. She faced charges of making a false report concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner, cyberstalking, and culpable negligence.
Lori Alhadeff, who lost her daughter during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting back in 2018, said these type of threats are to be taken seriously.
“It’s really scary, Alhadeff said. “People need to know this is not a joke. We take this very seriously and they need to stop.”
The incident has raised concerns about the use of social media and the responsibility that comes with sharing information online. School officials remind students that making any threat, even as a joke, is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges and expulsion.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Petit has left the jail and was moved to another facility.
Officials have not released the other location, citing HIPAA violations, which means it is possible that Petit could be undergoing a mental health evaluation.
Petit’s parents have paid her bond.
When she is released, she will have to wear an ankle monitor and she cannot have any access to a cellphone or a computer.
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