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Pair Charged In Plot To Blow Up School Make Plea Deals

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By THOMAS W.  KRAUSE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2007

Text Of Freedom High School Police Reports

TAMPA - Two of the three Freedom High School students arrested this month after Tampa police said they plotted to set off an explosion at the school entered plea deals today in juvenile court.

If they complete 50 hours of community service and undergo a psychological evaluation, charges against them will be dropped.

Mark Stapleton

The third teen is scheduled to be in court at 10 a.m. Thursday and is expected to enter the same deal.

Mark Stapleton, 16, and a 15-year-old who is not being named by TBO.com because of his age entered the pleas. John Doan, 17 is expected in court Thursday.

Tampa police investigated reports that Stapleton plotted to bring a gun to school and shoot specific students and a teacher before shooting himself. When questioned by police, Stapleton said he and the two friends also talked about turning on the gas-powered Bunsen burners in a science lab and lighting a match.

School officials said students were safe. The gas cannot be turned on without a teacher activating the gas lines.

John Doan

An Internet chat between the three teens, recovered by police, showed they were complaining about their girlfriends, family problems and struggles with depression. As the conversation got more heated, the teens began to write to one another about possible violent acts.

Attorneys for the two teens in court today said after school attacks such as the one at Columbine High School, authorities must take a close look at any potentially threatening situation and ensure the children involved undergo psychological evaluations.

"But we don't want to go the other way, where every time something comes out of a 15-year-old's mouth it puts him in the bottom of a jail cell," said John Grant, the attorney for the 15-year-old.

The students have been suspended from school, and the principal has recommended expulsion.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813)259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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