Knoxville, TN – A Knoxville teen has been indicted by a grand jury after making a threat of violence against Austin-East High School in October. The charges stem from both an alleged assault and subsequent threats made by the teen, 19-year-old Orenthro Hylton.
According to court documents, the investigation began when a victim reported to a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Austin-East High School that Hylton had assaulted her on October 2. During the investigation into the assault, authorities uncovered threatening statements made by Hylton on social media. These threats included remarks in which Hylton allegedly stated he “might just shoot someone up there to prove a point” and that he would “shoot during homecoming.”
In response to the social media posts, a Knox County Grand Jury indicted Hylton, charging him with “recklessly threatening an act of mass violence on school property.” The charges come in the wake of growing concerns about safety in schools, with threats of this nature often prompting heightened security measures.
The indictment has drawn attention to the potential dangers posed by online threats, especially those targeting schools. Authorities have emphasized that such threats are taken seriously, and any act of violence or intimidation within a school setting will be met with severe legal consequences.
Hylton is scheduled for arraignment on January 8, 2025, where he will face the formal charges. His case will be closely watched, as it raises important questions about how school threats are handled by law enforcement and the broader community.
In the meantime, Austin-East High School and the Knoxville Police Department have continued to work together to ensure the safety of students and staff, including increased security measures during school events like homecoming. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that schools face in safeguarding their campuses from potential threats, both physical and digital.
The case will likely remain under scrutiny as it moves through the legal system, with many hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of all involved.
