Four fifth-grade students at Legacy Traditional School in Surprise, Arizona, have been arrested and charged after police uncovered an alleged plot to murder a fellow classmate and disguise the act as a suicide. The disturbing incident, which took place in October 2024, has raised serious concerns about school safety, youth violence, and the psychological health of preteens.

According to a recently released police report, the four students—two aged 10 and two aged 11—allegedly conspired to lure a male classmate into a bathroom, stab him in the abdomen, and leave behind a forged suicide note to make the killing appear self-inflicted. The plan reportedly involved the use of gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints, with specific roles assigned to each participant: one student would bring the weapon, another would write the suicide note, a third would act as the lookout, and the fourth would carry out the stabbing.

The plot was reportedly motivated by personal animosity. One of the accused girls had previously been in a "relationship" with the intended victim and, according to police, expressed a desire to see him dead after he was unfaithful to her. The students discussed the plan in detail during lunch, using phrases like "just end him," which was overheard by another student. That student alerted a parent, who then notified school officials, leading to an immediate investigation.

Investigation and response

The school administration and local authorities acted swiftly. The students and their guardians were called in for questioning the following day. During interviews, some of the accused initially claimed the conversation was a joke, but later admitted they realized the plan was serious when roles were assigned. One student said she participated only to avoid being seen as "weird," while another withdrew from the plot after realizing its seriousness.

All four students were charged with making threats and disorderly conduct. They were suspended from school pending possible expulsion and released into the custody of their parents. According to police, three of the students and their families expressed remorse and apologized, while the fourth student and her parent reportedly showed little concern, with the student even laughing during questioning.

School and community reaction

Legacy Traditional School issued a statement emphasizing that student safety is its top priority and that the situation was addressed immediately upon discovery. Due to federal student privacy laws, the school declined to discuss specific disciplinary actions but reiterated that any student who makes or communicates a threat may face consequences up to and including expulsion.

The parent of the intended victim has expressed a desire to see the accused prosecuted, though further comments have not been made public.

As the investigation continues, the community in Surprise, Arizona, remains shaken by the gravity of the incident and the ages of those involved.