Two Florida teens have been arrested and charged with attempted premeditated murder in what authorities describe as a disturbing plot to kill a classmate they believed resembled Adam Lanza, the shooter who killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.
Background
Isabelle Valdez, 15, and her best friend Lois Lippert, 14, were arrested in January following an anonymous tip to getfortifyfl.com, a platform that forwards tips to school officials and law enforcement. The tip, received on January 22, stated that Valdez planned to kill another student the following day.
Lake Brantley High School officials and local police immediately responded. Security guards pulled Valdez out of class, and she was brought to the principal's office for questioning. During the interrogation, authorities say Valdez revealed the disturbing motive behind her alleged plot.
According to court documents obtained by WESH, Valdez told investigators that the intended victim "reminded her of Adam Lanza" and was "perfect" for her plan. She claimed she heard voices telling her that if she killed the victim, she and Lanza would share a "blood bond which would bring Lanza back to life."
Valdez told investigators she had been following the intended victim, memorizing his class schedule. She also revealed she had written a letter to give her parents after completing her plan.
The Charges
Valdez and Lippert were initially charged with attempted premeditated murder in January. This week, prosecutors announced the decision to charge both teens as adults.
Court documents reveal that Valdez told investigators she had a knife, gloves, trash bags, and cleaning wipes in her backpack for the murder. She allegedly planned to wait in an upstairs bathroom and lure the victim in to kill him. She also reportedly had flowers for his funeral and two cigarettes to smoke after the deed was done.
Lippert allegedly purchased the items needed for the plot and helped sharpen the knife. School officials found all described items in Valdez's backpack.
Valdez told investigators she sometimes hears voices telling her to hurt other people, according to the documents.
Key Takeaways
- Isabelle Valdez, 15, and Lois Lippert, 14, were arrested in January for an alleged plot to kill a classmate at Lake Brantley High School in Florida
- The teens allegedly believed the victim resembled Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook Elementary shooter who killed 26 people in 2012
- An anonymous tip to getfortifyfl.com on January 22 led to the teens' arrest
- Both teens are now being charged as adults with attempted premeditated murder
- Valdez allegedly had a knife, gloves, trash bags, and cleaning wipes in her backpack
- Lippert allegedly purchased the murder supplies and helped sharpen the knife
What's Next
Valdez and Lippert are awaiting further court proceedings. The case will proceed in adult court following the decision to charge them as adults. Both teens remain in custody pending future hearings.