Parents demand answers after Scotts Valley HS student accused of ‘rape and kill’ letter

Parents at Scotts Valley High School are outraged after word spread that a male student was allowed to return to campus, following a handwritten letter police say he wrote that threatened the rape and killing of students and teachers.

“Have we not seen enough violence in our schools? Have we not seen enough violence in our communities?” said Robert Aldana, a parent in Scotts Valley.

A lawyer representing concerned parents said the boy handed the five page letter to a girl at school earlier this month, naming her as a victim. The Letter had 21 students and four teachers on the kill list. The hand written paper included graphic details on how the boy would stab one of the girls in the throat.

On Tuesday, the Scotts Valley Police Department said it handed a report of the incident over to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office for review. Officers said the DA’s office will determine whether or not charges will be filed against the boy.

“The letter was based off the movie the purge and the story was put in script type format with different acts. And the story continued on how he was going to murder his fellow students and staff members,” said Lt. Steve Walpole, Scotts Valley Police.

Attorney James Sibley said the girl ripped up the letter at first and threw it away, but later went back to get the letter and handed it over to school administrators. Sibley said the boy was suspended, but was allowed to return to campus to take his finals.

“It’s profoundly disturbing and violates a number of policies with the school and the education code at a base level it’s sexual harassment at it’s worst,” said Sibley.

The boy remained on campus for the last three days of school but was placed in a separate room, according to police. Parents said more action needs to be taken. The school district issued a statement to the Scotts Valley community:

“Dear SVUSD Families,

I am writing to confirm that the district is and has been, actively engaged in the investigation of this matter including the implementation of an assessment to determine if there is a threat to student and staff safety,” said Superintendent, Penny Weaver.

“Have we not seen enough to really make people start to pay attention whats it going to take for people to really pay attention to the signs that are out there for people who are reaching out for help,” said Aldana.

The attorney sought by parents believes the letter could be considered a criminal act, for its threats, and exposing minors to pornography. Parents said they plan on attending a district board meeting next week to discuss their concerns further. Thursday members of “My Scotts Valley,” will meet at Bruno’s BBQ at 7pm an organized effort they said to collaborate ideas for how they’d like the situation to be resolved in advance of the June 28 district board meeting.