In Morristown, Indiana, a 17-year-old student named Alexis Pickett, also known as Rev, is facing serious charges after authorities uncovered a planned mass shooting at Morristown Jr./Sr. High School. Scheduled for trial on April 20, Pickett is charged as an adult with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and intimidation, and is held on a $1 million cash bond.
The incident came to light on December 5 when Pickett's mother alerted the Rush County Sheriff’s Department after detecting signs of potential violence. Pickett, who uses he/him pronouns, had been temporarily hospitalized for expressing homicidal and suicidal thoughts, according to a report by WRTV. The investigation revealed that Pickett and an out-of-state individual named "Nathan" communicated over encrypted platforms such as Discord and Telegram, discussing the use of firearms for the attack, owned by Pickett's stepfather.
Further evidence included a video on Pickett's phone, which showed a detailed layout of the school, pinpointing entrances, hallways, and the cafeteria, and was allegedly shared with co-conspirators. Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen shared a chilling statement from Pickett, who admitted to the intent of mass violence: "I would have killed a lot of people and myself,” had authorities not intervened.
Prosecutors emphasized Pickett's extensive fascination with mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, with court documents uncovering photos, videos, and sketches related to such events. Pickett's dressing as a school shooter for Halloween further reflected this obsession.
Authorities have identified other co-conspirators, including a 19-year-old from Ohio, and continue to examine digital communications for potential additional charges. Officials assured that there is currently no ongoing threat to the school community.
The case echoes previous incidents in Indiana, like Trinity Shockley's guilty plea for conspiracy to commit murder at Mooresville High School, drawing attention to the dangers of online radicalization. Experts and law enforcement stress the importance of parental vigilance and early intervention to counteract the influence of online communities glorifying mass violence.
As the legal proceedings against Pickett move forward, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for online extremist content to inspire dangerous behavior in youth and the critical role of families and authorities in thwarting such tragedies.
