Elbert County resident William “Lily” Whitworth, 19, pleaded guilty on Nov. 6 to second-degree assault for threatening to target three schools in Colorado Springs Academy District 20, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced. Whitworth originally faced two charges of attempt to commit first-degree murder in connection with the March threats.
If the plea agreement goes forward to conviction, Whitworth faces a maximum sentence of 16 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Sentencing is set for Jan. 19 in Elbert County District Court.
Elbert County sheriff’s deputies arrested Whitworth at home a few miles south of Kiowa on March 31 and noted in an affidavit that a drunken Whitworth described plans to carry out a shooting, with Timberview Middle School referred to as one of the “main targets” and with plans including a “layout of the school, active firearm planning and starting a manifesto.” Other potential targets were described as churches, Prairie Hills Elementary School and Pine Creek High School.
Whitworth described attending Timberview Middle School as recently as seventh grade with only home schooling afterward, the affidavit says.
The sheriff’s office responded to the home after a report from Whitworth’s sister. The affidavit says the sister described a disturbance at the home and said Whitworth had made threats to shoot up a school on March 31 and March 29.
The affidavit says Whitworth showed sheriff’s personnel a manifesto with a list of firearms and how to 3D-print them, a list of “numerous named individuals to be killed” and information about building improvised explosive devices. Other writings included references to the Columbine and Sandy Hook killers.
Whitworth was initially booked into jail and held on $75,000 bond. While in custody, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office was informed the defendant had told a jail staff member that if they were able to bond out, they would still try to carry out the original mass shooting plan.
Based on this information, the DA’s Office filed a motion to increase bond. On April 13, a judge adjusted the bond amount to $750,000 cash or surety.
On Nov. 6, the defendant accepted a plea agreement and entered a plea of guilty to second-degree assault, a class 4 felony offense.
“This case shows our commitment to taking threats seriously and being proactive in preventing a potential tragedy,” Chief Deputy DA Eva Wilson said. “We commend the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office for their investigative work on this case. We’re glad no one was injured.”
“We often question how tragedies happen after it’s too late,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “In this case, a family member had the courage and strength to pick up the phone and call for help. I encourage everyone when it comes to school security, if you see something concerning to report it right away. That call may save lives.”