Teen accused of mixing toxic chemicals in cafeteria faces attempted murder, terrorism charges

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - A 15-year-old Oregon high school student accused of mixing toxic chemicals in the school cafeteria is facing attempted murder and terrorism charges.

Portland Police say a Benson Polytechnic High School student brought common household chemicals from home and mixed them in the school cafeteria on Sept. 8 before passing out due to inhaling the toxic gases. Investigators identified the mix as hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide.

The 15-year-old appeared in court Friday afternoon, facing a first-degree domestic terrorism charge in connection with the incident. Later Friday, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office also announced 12 counts of attempted murder.

Teen allegedly linked to violent extremist group ‘764′

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Zimmerman said at least seven students and staff needed medical care after the Sept. 8 incident, and more than 100 people were checked at the school that day. He said investigators believe more people could have been harmed.

“It was really confusing. For one second, I’m in class, and I’m eating the school breakfast then next, I’m out on Buckman getting evacuated,” said Benson junior Eva Branstetter.

Zimmerman said surveillance video shows the suspect arriving in gloves and dark clothing and pouring chemicals from a white jug. A search of his home turned up many dangerous chemicals and reactive substances, including materials that can be used in thermite-type mixtures, along with social media posts about making acetone peroxide.

Prosecutors also pointed to social media posts referencing a “kill/death ratio,” along with language about self-harm and wanting to cause death to himself and others.

Benson Vice Principal Joe Metassik said the teen had been a responsible student before but said the impact on students has been “terror,” and it has been hard to get kids to return to school.

Zimmerman said the FBI is reviewing seized papers, hard drives and computers found Friday morning, including what he described as extensive references to “764,” a violent extremist group. He said the review is ongoing.

The state asked that the teen be held at the Donald E. Long county detention center until investigators better understand the full scope and asked that he be taken into custody right away.

Teen needs mental health treatment, defense attorney says

Defense attorney Norah Van Dusen acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and submitted letters from the teenager’s personal psychiatrist and a psychiatrist at the Perry Center. Both recommend continued psychiatric care.

Van Dusen said the Perry Center is locked and secure with no access to the outside world or social media. She quoted from one letter: “Failure to provide this level of mental health support currently is estimated to come at high risk.”

She said the teen remains at high risk of suicide, has a serious depression diagnosis and is cooperating with treatment but has a long road ahead.

Van Dusen said the teen has strong family support, with his father present in court and visiting daily at the Perry Center. She said he appeared voluntarily, has made no effort to run, has no prior court history and has a stable placement at the Perry Center. She asked that he be released to his father to return to the Perry Center to continue treatment his doctors described as medically necessary.

The teen’s father said the current placement at the Perry Center is best, noting his son is only one week into a program that normally lasts six to eight weeks.

Some parents said they just want whatever gets the 15-year-old the help he needs.

“To me, I just feel like he needs the help, and a program would be better,” said Benson parent Loressa Williams.

“I hope he gets help, and I think that’s the most important thing and he doesn’t hurt himself or others in the future,” said Benson parent Ryan Branstetter.

The judge followed the recommendation from the Juvenile Department and ordered the teen released to his father, with the expectation he return immediately to the Perry Center. Conditions include attending all future hearings, not running away and not leaving the program. The judge set another hearing in about six weeks, after treatment, to decide future custody status.

Prosecutors immediately asked the judge to reconsider. A re-hearing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon with a circuit court judge.