2 Teen Girls Planned to Slit Classmate’s Throat and Drink His Blood to Resurrect a Mass Killer
In this episode of Rotten Mango, Stephanie Soo examines the case of two teenage girls—Isabel Valdez, 15, and Lois Lipart, 14—who planned to murder their 15-year-old classmate John in a school bathroom. The crime was motivated by Isabel's obsessive fixation on Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza, whom she believed was her soulmate. John was targeted solely because Isabel thought he resembled Lanza, despite having no prior interaction with him.
The episode explores the extensive evidence of premeditation, including Discord messages, handwritten notes, and police interrogation footage that revealed the girls' lack of remorse. Soo discusses Isabel's history of severe mental illness and trauma, her radicalization through the online True Crime Community, and Lois's struggles with disordered eating and self-harm. The episode also covers the legal proceedings, public reaction, and broader questions about mental health, online communities, and the role of the anonymous tipster who prevented the attack.
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1-Page Summary
The Crime and Evidence
Girls Plot Elaborate Murder Based On Fixation With Mass Shooter
Isabel Valdez, 15, and Lois Lipart, 14, planned to murder their 15-year-old classmate John in a school bathroom after second period. The crime was motivated entirely by Isabel's obsessive fixation on Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza—she believed Lanza was her soulmate and targeted John solely because she felt he resembled Lanza. The victim was chosen at random, with no prior conflict between the girls and John.
The premeditation is clear in their communications. The night before, Isabel messaged Lois over Discord: "If you have some gloves, bring them for me. Bring latex ones. I'm bringing a trash bag, wipes, and some other things." On the day of the planned attack, they gathered a knife, trash bags, gloves, and Clorox wipes, attempting to sharpen the knife in the bathroom and testing its sharpness. Isabel planned to either slit John's throat or stab him in the stomach, with no getaway plan.
Police found a handwritten note in Isabel's backpack addressed to her parents: "I chose to do this myself for myself and Adam Lanza... Adam Lanza wanted it I think it's a fair and beautiful sense of devotion on my behalf. I love Adam Lanza. We're soul mates just waiting to be reunited once more…" Her journal entry described chloroforming John and holding a knife to his throat, revealing obsessive violent fantasies. Their Discord messages revealed plans for a "blood ritual for Adam Lanza" and jokes about incriminating evidence. The girls even listed Lanza's birthdate as their Facebook anniversary.
Victim Targeted by Appearance, Girls Showed No Remorse
John was targeted not because of any interaction but because Isabel believed he looked like Adam Lanza. She admitted developing a fixation on him despite never speaking to him due to anxiety. Isabel showed minimal empathy during interrogations, saying when asked about the impact on parents, "they would be sad I don't really care." She maintained she wanted "to be with Adam Lanza." The girls even joked about John's potential trauma and considered fabricating abuse allegations against him. Their demeanor and evidence confirm their premeditation, lack of empathy, and obsessive devotion to a mass shooter.
Police Investigation and Interrogation
Anonymous Tip Prevents Murder
After the girls revealed their intentions to friends, one friend submitted an anonymous tip through Fortify Florida, immediately alerting school administration and police. John's mother later confirmed that without this tip, her son would not have survived. When police arrested Isabel, she quickly confessed everything, including hearing Adam Lanza's voice. The police then placed both girls in the back of the same patrol car and deliberately took a 36-minute indirect route to the station, during which the girls incriminated themselves through candid conversation.
Police Footage Reveals Lack of Remorse
Body camera and surveillance footage show the handcuffed girls joking lightheartedly, bantering about being a lesbian couple in jail, and complaining about having their chocolate confiscated rather than showing any remorse for their victim. Isabel expressed regret only for having told officers everything and said she should have killed the boy in the morning instead. Throughout the car ride, they engaged in crude, sexualized banter, bathroom humor, and even role-played mass shooting scenarios. The released footage served as critical evidence of their psychological state, demonstrating indifference and chilling nonchalance about their deadly intentions.
Mental Health, Trauma, and Online Radicalization
Isabel's Severe Mental Illness and Trauma
Isabel exhibits a long history of severe mental illness, including depression, suicidal ideation from age seven, and auditory hallucinations. She confessed to hearing Adam Lanza's voice commanding her to commit murder. Her letters reveal a traumatic childhood marked by multiple assaults and persistent bullying. From around age ten, Isabel found joy in harming those who hurt her, and by twelve, she took pleasure in hurting others more broadly.
Online Radicalization Through True Crime Community
Isabel became immersed in the Tcc (True Crime Community) online subculture in 2022 or 2023, a group that promotes violence and grooms vulnerable individuals into consuming pro-mass shooting content. She described feeling "seen" but eventually realized it deteriorated her mental health, referring to her experience as being "groomed." The Tcc functions as an echo chamber, sharing rhetoric that romanticizes violence and mass shooters, frequently posting pro-eating disorder content and sexualized edits of school shooters.
Lois's Mental Health and Codependency
Lois struggles with disordered eating and self-harm, running a Twitter account promoting pro-eating disorder content. When she and Isabel met in 2025, their conditions deteriorated as they fueled each other's behavior. Lois's anxiety about planning violence was reportedly overridden by Isabel's determination to maintain status within the Tcc community, reinforcing their codependent dynamic. Both girls utilized dark humor, aggression, and detachment to cope with trauma and stress. Isabel later admitted her reckless behavior was performative, hoping it would lead to psychiatric placement rather than punishment.
Court Proceedings and Legal Outcomes
Girls Tried As Adults, Denied Bail
Isabel and Lois face charges of attempted murder and possessing a weapon on school property. Both are being tried as adults, facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The judge denied them bail, stating, "I don't think there's anything I could do that would keep the community safe and it's clearly a dangerous crime." Prosecutors showed the judge police car footage emphasizing the girls' lack of remorse, with the judge expressing concern that if released, either girl could negatively influence other young people online. Isabel submitted a letter detailing her trauma, mental illness, and online grooming, expressing remorse and acknowledging her behavior during interrogation was performative to access treatment.
Girls Separated, Revealed Superficial Alliance
The judge ordered Isabel and Lois physically separated and prohibited communication. This revealed their friendship was superficial, based on shared dangerous fantasies rather than genuine connection. Evidence of blame shifting emerged, with Isabel implicating Lois during questioning, while Lois minimized her involvement and suggested she would be released earlier due to family resources.
Public Reaction and Debate
The case sparked intense public debate about trauma, mental illness, online communities, and the need for vigilance in schools and families. Online, many are divided over whether Isabel's history of bullying and mental health crises should mitigate her culpability. Some express sympathy for the systemic failures, while others argue that trauma cannot excuse planning harm to an innocent person. Stephanie Soo notes, "People...think that being bullied is an excuse to kill people, like it gives you sympathy points, and it's like, do you know how many people have been bullied growing up? It doesn't give you the right to make grave quote-unquote mistakes in the form of taking someone else's life."
Discussion also centers on the girls' laughter in custody, with some seeing sociopathic traits and others viewing it as a trauma response or coping mechanism. Soo, as a teacher, recognizes similar patterns in students who deflect seriousness with humor to protect their social standing. Growing concern about the role of online communities like Tcc in radicalizing vulnerable youth has led to calls for stricter social media monitoring and early intervention.
The tipster who alerted authorities is widely hailed as a hero. John's mother credits this person with saving her son's life, stating unequivocally that without the tip, her son would not be alive. She made a point to meet and thank the child who reported the threat, affirming the critical importance of vigilance in preventing school violence.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Adam Lanza was the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, where he killed 26 people, including 20 children. His actions shocked the United States and intensified debates on gun control and school safety. The massacre is one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Lanza's name has since become associated with mass shootings and violent extremism.
- The True Crime Community (Tcc) is an online subculture where members share and discuss real criminal cases, often focusing on graphic details. While many participants are interested in crime from a legal or psychological perspective, some groups within Tcc romanticize or glorify violent offenders. This can lead to the normalization of harmful behaviors and the radicalization of vulnerable individuals. The community sometimes promotes disturbing content, including pro-violence and pro-eating disorder material.
- "Pro-eating disorder content" refers to online material that promotes, glorifies, or encourages eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. It often includes tips for extreme dieting, weight loss, or hiding symptoms, which can harm vulnerable individuals. Such content can normalize unhealthy behaviors and hinder recovery. This material is widely criticized for its negative impact on mental health.
- Fortify Florida is a state-run safety program designed to allow students, parents, and community members to anonymously report threats or suspicious activities related to school safety. It helps law enforcement and school officials respond quickly to potential dangers before incidents occur. The tool is part of broader efforts to prevent school violence through early intervention. Its anonymity encourages more people to come forward without fear of retaliation.
- Minors can be tried as adults depending on the severity of the crime and state laws. Courts consider factors like the minor's age, criminal history, and the nature of the offense. The decision aims to balance public safety with the minor's potential for rehabilitation. This process is called "waiver" or "transfer" to adult court.
- Auditory hallucinations are perceptions of hearing sounds or voices that are not actually present. They often occur in mental health conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression. These hallucinations can be distressing and may influence a person's thoughts or behaviors. Treatment typically involves therapy and medication to manage symptoms.
- Codependency is a behavioral condition where one person enables another's unhealthy behaviors, often to maintain a relationship. It involves excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one who requires support due to illness or addiction. In mental health, codependency can lead to neglecting one's own needs while focusing on controlling or rescuing the other person. This dynamic often perpetuates dysfunction and hinders recovery for both individuals.
- Performative behavior in psychiatric evaluations refers to when individuals exaggerate or feign symptoms to influence outcomes, such as seeking treatment or avoiding punishment. It complicates diagnosis because it may mask true mental health conditions or motivations. Clinicians use specialized techniques to detect inconsistencies and assess genuine symptoms. Understanding this behavior is crucial for accurate assessment and appropriate intervention.
- Online radicalization exposes vulnerable youth to extremist ideas through targeted content and peer reinforcement, often exploiting their emotional struggles. It creates echo chambers that normalize and glorify violence, making harmful behaviors seem acceptable or desirable. This process can distort youths' perceptions of reality and morality, increasing the risk of them adopting dangerous beliefs or actions. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent escalation and provide support.
- Stephanie Soo is a YouTuber and content creator known for discussing true crime and social issues. Her statement addresses a common misconception that being bullied justifies violent actions. She emphasizes that many people experience bullying but do not resort to harming others. Soo highlights the importance of personal responsibility despite trauma.
- A "blood ritual" typically refers to a symbolic act involving blood to create a sense of connection or commitment. In this context, it likely means the girls planned to use violence or bloodshed as a way to honor or bond with Adam Lanza. Such rituals are often linked to extremist or cult-like behaviors to reinforce loyalty or devotion. It reflects their obsessive and ritualistic mindset rather than any traditional or cultural practice.
- Laughter and banter during police custody can indicate a lack of remorse or emotional detachment from the seriousness of the situation. It may also serve as a psychological coping mechanism to reduce stress or fear. In some cases, such behavior is interpreted as sociopathic or indicative of deeper psychological issues. Understanding this behavior requires considering individual trauma responses and mental health context.
- Bail is a set amount of money or conditions a defendant must meet to be released from custody before trial. Denial of bail means the court believes the defendant poses a flight risk, danger to the community, or could interfere with the investigation. This decision protects public safety and ensures the defendant appears for court. Bail denial is more common in serious crimes or when the defendant shows lack of remorse or risk of reoffending.
- A "superficial alliance" means a relationship based on convenience or shared interests rather than genuine emotional connection. In this case, the girls' friendship was built on mutual dangerous fantasies, not true trust or support. This lack of depth can lead to instability and blame-shifting under pressure. It highlights how their bond was fragile and self-serving, affecting their behavior during the investigation.
Counterarguments
- While Isabel's mental illness and trauma are significant, they do not necessarily absolve her of responsibility for planning a violent crime; many individuals with similar backgrounds do not commit such acts.
- The decision to try the girls as adults is controversial; some legal experts and child advocates argue that juveniles have greater capacity for rehabilitation and should be treated within the juvenile justice system.
- The depiction of the girls' laughter and lack of remorse as evidence of sociopathy may overlook the complexity of adolescent coping mechanisms, especially under extreme stress or trauma.
- Blaming online communities like the True Crime Community for radicalization may oversimplify the issue, as not all members engage in or promote violence, and broader societal factors also contribute to youth vulnerability.
- The focus on Isabel's fixation on Adam Lanza as the sole motivator may underplay other contributing factors, such as peer influence, untreated mental health issues, and lack of support systems.
- The narrative that the girls' friendship was entirely superficial may not account for the complexities of adolescent relationships, especially among individuals with shared trauma or mental health struggles.
- While the tipster's actions are rightly praised, the case also highlights the need for earlier intervention and support for at-risk youth, rather than relying solely on crisis reporting.
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The Crime and Evidence
Girls Plot Elaborate Murder Targeting Innocent Classmate Based On False Premises and Fixation
Isabel Valdez, age 15, and Lois Lipart, age 14, planned the attempted murder of a 15-year-old classmate, known publicly as John, inside a school bathroom after second period. The crime was motivated solely by Isabel’s obsessive fixation on Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter. Isabel believed Adam Lanza was her soulmate and targeted John only because she felt he resembled Lanza. Neither Isabel nor Lois had any prior conflict or altercation with John; the victim was chosen at random, based only on his appearance.
The girls’ premeditated planning is evident in their actions and communications. The night before the intended murder, Isabel messaged Lois over Discord with instructions: “If you have some gloves, bring them for me. Bring latex ones. I’m bringing a trash bag, wipes, and some other things.” On the day of the planned attack, Isabel and Lois gathered a knife, trash bags, gloves, and Clorox wipes. They tried sharpening the knife in the bathroom by running it across a metal pipe, then tested its sharpness on Isabel’s shirt and Lois’s stomach. Isabel's plan was to either slit John's throat or stab him in the stomach; there was no getaway plan.
Inside Isabel’s backpack, police found all the plotted items along with a handwritten note addressed to her parents. In the note, Isabel wrote, “I chose to do this myself for myself and Adam Lanza. They told me that Adam would come back to speak with me if I did this for him. Adam Lanza wanted it I think it’s a fair and beautiful sense of devotion on my behalf. I love Adam Lanza. We’re soul mates just waiting to be reunited once more…” The note described her feelings of isolation, self-loathing, and detachment from others, and echoed the disturbed rambling associated with Adam Lanza.
A more disturbing piece of evidence was Isabel’s journal entry, written in a dramatized narrative style. She described chloroforming John (though she never obtained any chloroform), knocking him out, and savoring the scenario in which she held a knife to his throat and recorded him. Isabel’s narrative fixates on the victim’s fear and her excitement, revealing obsessive and violent fantasies.
The girls’ prior Discord messages revealed intentions to conduct a “blood ritual for Adam Lanza,” jokes about incriminating evidence, and expressions of detachment from their families. Isabel even anticipated the aftermath, saying, “I hugged my parents extra tight today. I feel kind of bad for what’s coming... I need to break my hard drive later. Do you have any extra white shirts that I could use?”
Their connection to the Sandy Hook shooter went further: Isabel and Lois listed Adam Lanza’s birthdate, April 22, 1992, as their own Facebook anniversary, showing their disturbing fixation.
Victim Chosen Randomly by Appearance, Not by Conflict or Interaction
John, the 15-year-old boy, was targeted not because of any conflict or interaction but because Isabel believed he looked like Adam Lanza. Isabel admitted she developed a fixation on John for that reason, although she had never spoken to him due to her anxiety and fear of rejection. After the plot was foiled, Isabel later apologized in writing for follo ...
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The Crime and Evidence
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Counterarguments
- While the girls' actions were clearly premeditated and disturbing, their ages (14 and 15) suggest that adolescent psychological development and potential mental health issues may have played a significant role in their behavior, which could be relevant in understanding their motivations and culpability.
- The text emphasizes a lack of empathy and remorse, but adolescent emotional responses can be complex and not always accurately reflected in police interviews, especially under stress or fear.
- The fixation on Adam Lanza and the violent fantasy may indicate underlying psychiatric conditions or trauma that warrant clinical evaluation rather than being interpreted solely as willful malice.
- The planning and communications, while incriminating, also demonst ...
Actionables
- you can set up a personal check-in routine to notice and reflect on any intense fixations or obsessions you develop, especially those involving real people or violent figures, by jotting down your thoughts and feelings in a private notebook and rating how much time you spend thinking about them each day; this helps you spot unhealthy patterns before they escalate.
- a practical way to strengthen your empathy is to regularly imagine how your actions or words might affect someone else’s family or friends, not just the person directly involved, by pausing before decisions and picturing the ripple effects on people you don’t know.
- you can create a simple safety pl ...
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Police Investigation and Interrogation
Classmate Tip Prevents Murder, Leads To Police Intervention
A planned school bathroom murder is averted when, after two girls reveal their intentions to friends, one friend submits an anonymous tip through Fortify Florida. This tip immediately alerts the school administration and the police, who intervene to prevent the attack. The mother of the targeted boy later confirms that without the tip, her son would not have survived. The tip is not only credited with saving the victim, but Rui Qian also suggests it likely saved the girls’ lives as well.
When police receive the alert, they arrest Isabel Valdez, who quickly confesses everything, including hearing Adam Lanza’s voice and her desire to be reunited with him. Lois Lipord is also arrested. During this process, the police retrieve Isabel’s phone after a prior Thursday swatting incident, in which she had tried to get people swatted.
The police adopt a deliberate interrogation tactic, placing both girls in the back of the same patrol car and taking an unusually long, indirect route to the station—one that takes about 36 minutes, much longer than a direct drive would require. During this journey, the girls incriminate themselves through their candid and damning conversation, as the police had anticipated.
Police Footage Shows Girls' Lack of Remorse via Casual Conversation and Role-Playing of School Shooters
Body camera and surveillance footage reveal that, while handcuffed together after their arrest, Isabel and Lois joke lightheartedly: "Hey, best friend," and giggle about possibly being a lesbian couple in jail. Isabel jokes that Lois could be "the butch," declares her as "her bitch," and they banter about visiting each other in jail.
The conversation in the back of the squad car is devoid of remorse for their victim. Instead, the girls complain about the cold temperature during earlier questioning, and particularly about having their chocolate confiscated. Lois is frustrated she could not eat chocolate with Isabel after second period, lamenting this missed goal rather than any regret for their actions.
Their expressions of regret are also telling. Isabel says she only regrets having told the officers everything, and at one point, she voices that she should have killed the boy in the morning, not after second period, since then she “would have been able to kill him.” Lois agrees, noting she had been close behind the intended target. This tactical regret highlights a lack of moral reflection.
Throughout the car ride, Isabel and Lois engage in crude, sexualized banter and bathroom humor, indicating emotional immaturity and dysregulation. They joke about jail procedures such as body cavity searches and overtly sexual remarks related to urination. Lois repeatedly mentions needing to pee, and Isabel responds wit ...
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Police Investigation and Interrogation
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Clarifications
- Fortify Florida is a statewide safety program in Florida designed to allow students, parents, and community members to anonymously report threats or suspicious activities related to school safety. It operates through a mobile app and website where users can submit tips confidentially. The system immediately forwards credible threats to school officials and law enforcement for rapid response. Its goal is to prevent violence by enabling early intervention.
- Adam Lanza was the perpetrator of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, a mass murder in the United States. He killed 26 people, mostly children, before committing suicide. His name is often referenced in discussions of school shootings as a symbol of extreme violence. The girls' mention of him suggests they idolized or were influenced by his actions.
- Swatting is a dangerous prank where someone falsely reports a serious emergency to send armed police, often a SWAT team, to an innocent person's location. It is illegal and can cause harm or panic. Isabel's prior swatting incident means she previously tried to trigger such a false emergency response. This history likely influenced police suspicion and their handling of her arrest.
- Police sometimes take suspects on longer, indirect routes to create a controlled environment for observation and conversation. This tactic encourages suspects to talk more freely, revealing information or inconsistencies. It also prevents suspects from anticipating their destination, reducing stress or attempts to escape. The extended time allows officers to assess mental state and gather evidence through dialogue.
- The girls' role-playing of mass shooting rhetoric is significant as it reveals a disturbing level of detachment from the seriousness of their actions. By engaging in such behavior, they demonstrate a lack of empathy and understanding of the potential consequences of their planned violence. This role-playing indicates a troubling fascination or normalization of violence, raising concerns about their mental state and potential for future harm. The behavior underscores the need for a thorough assessment of their psychological well-being and the potential risks they may pose to themselves and others.
- Footage and transcripts shown to a judge serve as evidence of the suspects' mental state and behavior. This evidence helps the judge assess whether the suspects pose a risk to public safety or are likely to flee. It can justify decisions like denying bail or ordering psychological evaluations. Such evidence also influences sentencing and trial proceedings by establishing intent and remorse.
- Mental competency assessments determine if a person understands the charges against them and can participate in their own defense. During arrest and transport, officers ask simple questions to check awareness and coherence. This helps ensure the suspect is mentally fit for legal proceedings. If found incompetent, the suspect may receive psychological evaluation or treatment before trial.
- T ...
Counterarguments
- The girls' lack of visible remorse or their joking behavior during transport may not necessarily reflect their true feelings or moral understanding, as adolescents often display emotional immaturity or use humor as a coping mechanism in stressful situations.
- The use of a prolonged, indirect police transport to elicit incriminating statements could raise ethical concerns about interrogation tactics, especially with minors, and may be scrutinized in court regarding voluntariness and admissibility of evidence.
- The footage and transcripts showing the girls' behavior might not provide a complete picture of their psychological state or capacity for remorse, as such assessments typically require professional evaluation rather than interpretation of isolated behavior.
- The emphasis on the girls' crude banter and lack of remorse could risk sensationalizing the case and o ...
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Mental Health, Trauma, and Online Radicalization
Isabel Valdez: Severe Mental Illness, Shooter Obsession, Auditory Hallucinations, Suicidal Ideation, Depression
Isabel Valdez exhibits a long history of severe mental illness, including depression, suicidal ideation from the age of seven, and auditory hallucinations. After being arrested, Isabel confessed to police that she heard Adam Lanza's voice in her head, commanding her to commit murder on his behalf, describing him as her soulmate and expressing a desire to be reunited with or resurrect him. Isabel reported improvement after being placed on a psychiatric hold in 2024, but she relapsed in 2025.
Her letters reveal a traumatic childhood marked by multiple assaults by both peers and older individuals, as well as persistent, severe bullying. From around age ten, Isabel found joy in harming those who hurt her, and by twelve, she took pleasure in hurting others more broadly, signaling a serious psychological shift. These experiences contributed to her deepening depression and a pleasure in aggressive, destructive behavior.
Girls Radicalized Online: Tcc Glorifies Violence, Normalizes School Shooting Ideation
Isabel became immersed in the Tcc (True Crime Community) online subculture in 2022 or 2023, a group known for promoting violence and grooming vulnerable individuals into consuming pro-mass shooting content. She described feeling "seen" in this community at first but eventually realized it was deteriorating her mental health and referred to her experience as being "groomed." The Tcc functions as an echo chamber, sharing rhetoric that romanticizes violence and mass shooters. Members frequently post pro-eating disorder content and sexualized edits of infamous school shooters with stylized music, further normalizing disturbing ideations and blurring the boundaries between fascination and incitement.
The community culture normalizes knowledge of crime and law enforcement procedures, expressing skepticism toward Isabel and Lois for not knowing about police car cameras, suggesting that "real Tccers" possess criminal awareness. Allegedly, Isabel also posted Tumblr content describing violence fantasies, finding validation for these ideas in the group.
Lois Lippert's Mental Health Issues: Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Possible Codependency on Isabel
Lois Lippert, Isabel's co-defendant, deals with her own mental health struggles, including disordered eating and self-harm. Lois ran a Twitter account that promoted pro-eating disorder ("pro-Anna") content and posted videos documenting her vomiting and even playing with bodily waste. When Isabel and Lois met in 2025, their conditions deteriorated further as they fueled each other's behavior. Isabel requested sympathy for Lois, indicating some recognition of their shared struggles.
Lois's anxiety about planning violent a ...
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Mental Health, Trauma, and Online Radicalization
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Isabel Valdez's mental illness and traumatic experiences are significant, not all individuals with similar backgrounds develop violent ideations or behaviors, suggesting other factors may also play a role.
- The Tcc online subculture may contain harmful elements, but not all members engage in or promote violence; some may participate out of curiosity or for academic interest in true crime.
- The connection between online communities and real-world violence is complex and not necessarily causal; many people exposed to such content do not act violently.
- Coping mechanisms like humor and detachment, while potentially ma ...
Actionables
- you can create a personal media filter by making a list of online spaces, hashtags, or accounts that tend to glorify violence or unhealthy behaviors, then use browser extensions or social media settings to mute, block, or avoid them, helping you reduce exposure to echo chambers that normalize harmful ideation.
- a practical way to disrupt negative reinforcement cycles is to set up a daily check-in with a trusted friend or family member where you both share one positive coping strategy you used that day, focusing on healthy ways to manage stress or difficult emotions instead of bonding over harmful behaviors.
- you can track your emotional triggers by k ...
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Court Proceedings and Legal Outcomes
Girls Charged With Attempted Murder, Weapon Possession Tried As Adults
Isabel and Lois face identical charges of attempted murder and possessing a weapon on school property. Both are being tried as adults, exposing them to harsher penalties and stripping them of juvenile court protections. Each girl faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. During the court hearing, both were denied bail. The judge states, "I don't think there's anything I could do that would keep the community safe and it's clearly a dangerous crime. All the elements I think have been met...for that reason, I think that there's a real risk to the community that I just can't fix." As a result, Isabel and Lois remain in custody awaiting trial, with pending updates expected on whether they will plead not guilty or take a plea deal.
Judge: Girls' Lack of Remorse, Crime Severity Posed Community Danger
The court proceedings highlighted the perceived danger the girls pose to the community. Prosecutors showed the judge police car footage, emphasizing the girls' lack of remorse; the judge described their demeanor as "cute" and remarked: "I don't want her on the internet talking to other young folks about this. It's too dangerous." The prosecutor argued that the girls' plot to murder a peer in order to resurrect a mass shooter revealed sociopathic intent and callous attitudes. The judge expressed concern that, if released, either girl could negatively influence other young people online.
Isabel's Letter to Judge: Trauma, Mental Illness, Online Grooming
Isabel submitted a letter to the judge detailing her background, including experiences of trauma, mental illness, and online grooming, which contributed to her radicalization and involvement in the criminal planning. She acknowledged her mental deterioration and expressed remorse for her actions. Isabel indicated that her behavior during the police interrogation was performative, aimed at accessing psychiatric treatment.
Court Separates Girls, ...
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Court Proceedings and Legal Outcomes
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Counterarguments
- Trying minors as adults, especially in cases involving mental illness and trauma, may not serve justice or rehabilitation, and could exacerbate underlying issues rather than address them.
- Denying bail solely on the basis of perceived community risk, without considering individualized assessments or the potential for supervised release, may be overly punitive and not in line with principles of due process.
- The judge's characterization of the girls' demeanor as "cute" could be seen as subjective and potentially dismissive of the complexities of adolescent behavior, especially in high-stress situations.
- The assertion that no measures could ensure community safety may overlook the possibility of secure psychiatric treatment or intensive supervision as alternatives to pretrial detention.
- Emphasizing the girls' potential negative influence online assumes a level of access and impact that may not be substantiated without further evidence.
- Isabel's letter describing trauma, mental illness, and online grooming suggests that her culpability and intent m ...
Actionables
- you can review your own online interactions and set up a personal rule to pause and reflect before posting or sharing anything that could influence others, especially younger people, to ensure your digital footprint doesn’t unintentionally encourage risky or harmful behavior; for example, before commenting on a heated topic, take a moment to consider how your words might be interpreted by someone more impressionable.
- a practical way to strengthen your real-life friendships is to schedule regular check-ins where you talk openly about your values and boundaries, helping you spot and avoid relationships that are based mainly on shared negativity or risky interests; for instance, use a monthly reminder to ask yourself if your closest connections are supportive or if they revolve around unhealthy dynamics.
- you can create a si ...
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Public Reaction and Debate
The case of two girls plotting a violent crime has sparked an intense public debate, particularly across social media, about the influence of trauma, mental illness, online communities, and the necessity of vigilance within schools and families.
Social Media Debate: Does Girls' Trauma and Mental Illness Mitigate Culpability For Planning Violent Crime?
Online, many are divided over whether Isabel's history of bullying, assault, and mental health crises should be considered when weighing her culpability in the planned attack. Some netizens express sympathy, acknowledging systemic failures and the lack of adult intervention. One comment highlights: "She suffered from extreme mental illnesses; all the adults in her life failed her... I feel bad... these girls need help badly." Others echo a sense of tragedy, with posts like, "How did they even get to this point mentally without someone intervening?"
Yet, there is a distinct pushback. Many argue that trauma and mental illness cannot excuse meticulously planning harm to an innocent classmate. Stephanie Soo underscores this perspective, noting, "People...think that being bullied is an excuse to kill people, like it gives you sympathy points, and it's like, do you know how many people have been bullied growing up? It doesn’t give you the right to make grave quote-unquote mistakes in the form of taking someone else's life." This reflects a broader frustration with the tendency of some true crime community (tcc) members to weaponize victimization claims to garner sympathy for violent ideation. Another comment reinforces this, stating, "I was bullied; I'm not going around trying to resurrect people." Discomfort is also expressed regarding the girls' obsession with infamous shooters, and some users are critical of the fixation: "What a weird obsession—I mean, you could have done something productive with your passion... but instead you did this."
Observers Debate if Girls' Laughter in Custody Shows Sociopathy or Trauma Response
Discussion also centers on the girls’ behavior following their arrest. Online comments dissect their laughter and casual conversation in the police car, with some suggesting that the girls’ constant joking and sexual banter are evidence of sociopathic traits or disregard for their crime. Comments such as "these kids definitely grew up on Discord" and sarcastic praise like "you dropped your crown queen" dominate some conversations. Others insist their laughter is a coping mechanism, a defense response to stressful, humiliating, or traumatic situations. Commenters point out, "They’re coping with it by laughing it off... That's likely how they respond to any situation in which they're caught for doing anything wrong or when they're being laughed at, excluded, humiliated, bullied, whatever..."
Educators and mental health professionals weigh in as well. Stephanie Soo, as a teacher, recognizes similar patterns in students who deflect seriousness with humor to protect their social standing, explaining, "They can't be seen to ever take anything seriously about anything that others take seriously because it's the only way for them to win in so many situations that they repeatedly lose." Many agree this behavior, while deeply ingrained for some, should not excuse planned violence but is familiar to those working with troubled youth.
Concerns Over Online Communities Radicalizing Youth and Normalizing Violence
There is growing concern about the role of online communities—particularly Tcc spaces—in the radicalization and normalization of violence among youth experiencing trauma or menta ...
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Public Reaction and Debate
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The "true crime community" (Tcc) refers to online groups and forums where people discuss real criminal cases, often focusing on details of crimes and perpetrators. Members sometimes develop intense interest or fascination with violent acts and criminals. This community can influence perceptions of crime, sometimes glamorizing or sympathizing with offenders. In this context, Tcc is relevant because it may contribute to normalizing violent ideation among vulnerable youth.
- The girls' obsession with infamous shooters is problematic because it can glamorize and normalize violent behavior. Such fixation may reinforce harmful ideologies and encourage imitation. It also desensitizes individuals to the real trauma caused by these crimes. This obsession can hinder recovery and promote a dangerous identity around violence.
- The phrase "you dropped your crown queen" is a sarcastic remark implying someone has lost their status, dignity, or composure. It references a "crown" as a symbol of authority or respect, often used in internet slang to denote someone acting superior or confident. Saying someone "dropped their crown" mocks them for failing to live up to that image. In this context, it criticizes the girls' behavior as a fall from grace or loss of control.
- The planned violent crime involved two girls targeting a classmate named John. The nature of the attack was intended to be violent, though specific methods were not detailed. The plot was discovered and prevented before any harm occurred. The case has raised concerns about school safety and early intervention.
- Laughter in custody can be a psychological coping mechanism to reduce stress or mask fear. It may also signal emotional detachment or an attempt to appear unaffected by the situation. This behavior is controversial because it can be interpreted as either a trauma response or a sign of sociopathy. Understanding the context and individual background is crucial to interpreting such reactions accurately.
- The true crime community (Tcc) refers to online groups focused on discussing real criminal cases, sometimes glamorizing or obsessing over violent acts. Platforms like Discord, Reddit, and certain YouTube channels host these communities, where vulnerable youth may encounter graphic content and harmful ideologies. These spaces can inadvertently normalize violence by sharing detailed accounts ...
Counterarguments
- While trauma and mental illness are important factors to consider, they do not absolve individuals of responsibility for premeditated violent actions; many people with similar backgrounds do not resort to violence.
- Focusing too heavily on the perpetrators' backgrounds may inadvertently minimize the suffering of the intended victim and their family.
- The emphasis on online communities as radicalizing forces may overlook the role of offline influences, personal agency, and pre-existing tendencies toward violence.
- Calls for stricter social media monitoring risk infringing on free speech and may not effectively address the root causes of violent ideation.
- Praising the tipster and the mother, while important, should not overshadow systemic issues in school safety and mental health support that allowed the situation to escalate.
- The narrative that educators and mental health professionals recognize humor-based deflection as common among troubled youth does not mean such behavior should be norma ...
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