Carwise Middle student planned suicide before stabbing of school officer

A 13-year old Boy Scout intended to kill himself April 5 when he walked into Carwise Middle School armed with a knife and 11 firebombs and nearly stabbed to death a campus police officer, the boy's attorney said.

Kenny Stoltman fought with campus officer Kenneth Fridlund in a school restroom during a struggle to get hold of Fridlund's handgun.

"He intended when he went to get that gun, he also was going to commit suicide and that's what he was going to do with the knife, as well," said Tampa attorney Barry Cohen, who is representing Stoltman.

Cohen said he is taking the case without pay because of Stoltman's attempts to better his troubled family life through scouting.

"This was an unbelievably good kid," Cohen said. "He was this far away from being an Eagle Scout."

Stoltman made a brief appearance in juvenile court today at the Pinellas Justice Center where he faces charges of attempted murder, battery on a school official and possessing gasoline firebombs.

"Thank God this officer is alive and he's fine," Cohen said. "It could have been much more drastic than what it was."

Cohen told a reporter the boy was striking back against bullying.

"He wore his Boy Scout uniform to school because he was really proud of it and the kids call him Cub Scout and Girl Scout and pick at his emblems," Cohen said.

"He didn't tell anyone about it because he didn't want to be a tattletale and it get worse. He didn't even tell his grandmother who takes care of him."

Cohen told prosecutors he wants to avoid a trial.

Later, he said, "I'd want to let him get back on track to working hard and being an Eagle Scout and going on to college and making a difference in other people's lives."

The case raises bigger questions about widespread bullying in schools, Cohen added.

"Kenny's not the only kid who's depressed and sad and despondent because other kids keep bullying, bullying him."

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