Calif., Ga. school shooting plot suspects had floor plans, picked a date, warrants say

By Nick Viviani, Denise Dillon and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team

A cross-country investigation into a potential school shooting plot in Georgia landed suspects from both coasts of the United States behind bars and facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder. 

Big picture view:

Arrest warrants allege the three suspects had picked a date and had a floor plan of the Georgia high school where the shooting would have happened. The warrants claim two of the suspects, Shane Keith Taylor, 17, and Michael Brandon Terry, 21, had made an agreement to provide weapons and outfits to the third suspect, a juvenile girl whose name was not released. The three individuals had also allegedly talked about purchasing body armor, video cameras, and combat boots.

What we know:

The suspects were planning to carry out a shooting at Cherokee High School, in Canton, which is about 45 miles north of Atlanta, on Aug. 20, 2027, a little more than two weeks after the beginning of the school year, according to the arrest warrants. Authorities noted that the juvenile had previously attended the high school. 

Timeline:

An interstate investigation that involved local, state, and federal authorities was launched last Monday after the FBI got a tip about a threatening social media post directed at the high school. 

Suspects from California and Georgia

That led to the arrest of a former student who is a minor, charged with conspiracy to commit murder and disruption of public school operations. Days later, law enforcement arrested Shane Taylor of Metter, Georgia, and booked him into the Cherokee County Jail. 

Officers also arrested Michael Terry in Chatsworth, California, where he is awaiting extradition to Georgia. Both Terry and Taylor face charges of conspiracy to commit murder. Terry remains in California awaiting transport to Georgia to face his charges alongside Taylor and the juvenile suspect.

During the sweep, investigators seized firearms, ammunition and communication devices.

What we don't know:

Investigators have not released the motive or explained the relationship connecting the three suspects across Georgia and California.

Officials have not publicly identified the juvenile arrested in Canton due to her age, nor have they detailed how the suspects planned to access the campus.

RELATED: Ohio man indicted in fatal stabbing of teen, sexual assault of another

Cherokee County community reacts

What they're saying:

Relatives of Cherokee High School students expressed shock and relief as news of the arrests spread through the community.

"What in the world? Oh my goodness. I just don't know what to say," said Carol Johnson, whose granddaughter is a senior at the school. "I am upset, very upset. I just don't understand, what in the world is going on."

Other family members voiced gratitude for the swift law enforcement intervention.

"That was alarming obviously," said Haley King, whose niece is a sophomore at the school. "She's terrified. That's always been like a back thought in her head, but she's really scared. Thankful for the police, FBI, everybody involved that made this not a tragedy."

Police officers gave credit to the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office, led by District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway, along with state and federal agencies for their cooperation.

"The safety of our students and school staff is a top priority, and we take every threat seriously," Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell said. "I appreciate the quick action of our law enforcement partners and the dedication of our detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects."

Campus security increases

What's next:

The school district has implemented heightened security protocols, stationing additional police officers directly on the Cherokee High School campus. In addition, Principal Andy Hall will have extra school counselors on campus beginning Wednesday morning to assist any students and staff who need support. 

An official notification detailing the arrests, security posture, and support resources was sent out directly to all district families and staff members in a letter to parents. 

The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Canton Police Officer Pacer Cordry, who detailed the arrests, seized weapons and security measures, as well as family members of Cherokee High School students, the Associated Press, and reporting by Denise Dillon of WAGA-TV, in Atlanta. This story was reported from Orlando, Florida.