A fifteen year old Benson Polytechnic High School student accused of orchestrating a chemical attack will remain in a psychiatric facility for now, following a volatile court appearance that nearly ended with him in handcuffs. The teenager faces nineteen counts, including attempted murder and domestic terrorism, stemming from an incident where he allegedly released toxic chemicals in an effort to kill himself and others. While prosecutors fought aggressively to move him to the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center, citing public safety risks, Judge Amy Holmes Hehn ultimately ruled that he should stay in clinical care until a different facility can be secured.
The hearing took a dramatic turn when prosecutors revealed that several employees at the Parry Center for Children, where the teen is currently treated, are actually parents of students targeted in the attack. One father and teacher testified that working in the same complex as the alleged attacker has been deeply traumatic and hindered his ability to perform his duties. This revelation led Judge Holmes Hehn to briefly order the student into immediate custody, leaving deputies poised to take him away while his parents offered whispered comfort by his side.
In a frantic last minute plea, defense attorneys managed to convince the judge to pause the order long enough to explore alternatives. After stepping out of the courtroom to make emergency calls, lawyers returned asserting that the teen was housed in a separate building from the affected staff members and could be strictly isolated within the center. The defense further emphasized that moving a youth with such severe suicidality and mental instability into an understaffed juvenile hall could put his life at risk.
Accepting these arguments for the moment, Judge Holmes Hehn reversed her decision but mandated that the student must be relocated as soon as possible. Despite this temporary reprieve for the defense, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez continues to signal that his office intends to pursue trial as an adult given the gravity of the crimes. Both sides are expected back in court on November 9th to determine where the student will spend his time awaiting trial.
