Oregon Teen Faces 19 Charges Over School Chemical Spill, Including 12 Attempted Murders
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 3
Oregon Teen Faces 19 Charges Over School Chemical Spill, Including 12 Attempted Murders
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 3
Summary
Multnomah County prosecutors charged a 15-year-old Friday with 19 counts after a Sept. 8 chemical release at Portland’s Benson Polytechnic High School, including 12 attempted murder counts and domestic terrorism charges.
More than 100 students and staff were examined after the spill and at least seven needed medical attention; the teen mixed toxic chemicals in the cafeteria, inhaled the fumes himself and was hospitalized in critical condition.
District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said he will seek to move the juvenile case into adult court, arguing Oregon’s 2023 law covers intentionally releasing toxic substances into widespread contact with others.
Police said the teen had shown concerning behavior and interest in hazardous chemicals, explosives and violence before the incident; the exact substances are still being tested at an FBI lab.
The boy’s lawyers denied the allegations and said he is now in an inpatient mental health facility, while prosecutors said the episode traumatized families and kept some students from returning.