Two sixth-grade students from Madison Township have faced disciplinary action after participating in a group chat conversation that included threats to kill and bury another student, a school administrator confirmed.
School Response to Threats
Madison Local School District Superintendent Jeff Staggs stated on December 19 that the students "have been disciplined to the fullest extent" permitted by school policies.
According to a police report, the threatening messages were exchanged in a 14-person group chat, with several participants attending Madison Middle School.
Details from Police Records
One student wrote in the chat, "I will kill you, you hippo ugly no friend rat," as documented in a Butler County incident report filed after the targeted student's father contacted authorities.
Additional messages referenced bringing weapons including knives, metal bats, and a firearm to school. Another participant suggested burying the victim in a backyard.
Police records indicate the exchange "appears to be over the girlfriend of the victim breaking up with him."
Legal and Administrative Actions
The incident report listed two individuals with redacted names as suspects for aggravated menacing. It remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed.
Staggs explained that privacy regulations prevent him from disclosing whether he believes the threats were serious or if the threatened student has returned to classes.
The maximum punishment a principal can impose, according to Staggs, is a 10-day suspension with a recommendation for expulsion. He could not confirm whether such recommendations were made in this case.
The school district continues to investigate the incident but currently believes no additional students were involved.
