Student list causes stir
No weapons found at elementary; principal says students not in danger

By Brian Hassler
Staff Writer

KIRTLAND — A list that wasn't meant to see the light of day had San Juan County sheriff's arriving at Grace B. Wilson Elementary in Kirtland on Tuesday morning.

The list, created by two students at the school, contained the names of students who had been mean or abusive to the students, said Grace B. Wilson principal Steve Carlson.

"The situation was brought to light by a parent that called sheriff's deputies," said Carlson. "The list never included teachers, but there were several students on the list. All it mentioned was that he wanted to hurt them because they had picked on him."

Upon arriving at the school, administrators and officers found that the student in question wasn't in school but he was found at home.

"It was two juveniles that made up the list," said Sgt. Tyler Truby. "According to them, the list was destroyed, and they just put down the names of people that were giving them a hard time."

Officers searched the school but found no weapons, nor did they find weapons on either of the boys who created the list.

"Our indication was that they wrote the list of people that they didn't like and reportedly they wanted to beat those people up," said Truby. "We were made aware of the names on the list by the two boys, but we haven't talked to them."

More threatening notes were found recently at Grants High School. The notes there spawned an intense investigation to find the author, but no arrests have been made in the case.

According to Carlson, the list was seen by a boy and a girl who attend the school. Carlson added that he has spoken to some of the students who were listed, as well as their parents, but he hasn't been able to talk to all of the students listed and was planning on contacting everyone on the list and obtaining as much information as possible.

"The young man who made the list has had some trauma and will not be allowed in general school population until we feel his needs have been met," said Carlson "There will be a legal record, but I don't believe there is any danger with my students at the school."

While Carlson plans on speaking with the remaining parents and students that were on the list, his concerns have also shifted to the student that was responsible for creating the list.

"One thing that will be real difficult was that he was in turmoil and was very troubled and what has happened now is that everyone knows who did it and he's going to experience so many repercussions. There will be a lot of backlash," said Carlson.

"I wish it hadn't been a real public thing so that he doesn't have to hear from everyone," Carlson added. "I'm worried about the young man. This young man, he's very gentle, but he has some issues, and we'll make sure he has a chance to resolve those issues before any problems arise."

— Brian Hassler is The Independent's Four Corners reporter based in Shiprock. Contact him at (50) 360-7862 or via email at brianhassler@hotmail.com