Sabin Middle School teens accused of creating ‘kill list’ will be tried as adults

The two teens accused of plotting murder at Sabin Middle School in Colorado Springs will be tried as adults in the upcoming months.

The decision was made Tuesday after a judge set bonds for Tafari Mannix and Christopher Griffin. Photos of the teenage boys are currently unavailable since they are minors.

The two were arrested in October when they were both 13 after police discovered they had planned to kill people they placed on a list.

Mannix’s bond was set at $50,000 because, according to a judge, his mental health records and evidence obtained by investigators show he was the leader of the kill plot. Mannix’s trial starts October 30th. He pleaded not guilty to Inciting Destruction of Life or Property and Conspiracy.

The judge granted the defense attorneys’ request that Christopher Griffin’s bond be set at $25,000 since he has no criminal record. His lawyer said Griffin is also receiving therapy and counseling.

If the two teens return home, they’ll be under constant adult supervision and cannot contact each other or anyone from Sabin Middle School.

It is unknown who the threat targeted, specifically, but Colorado Springs Police Department investigators have reached out to all individuals, including parents and adults named in the suspects’ list.

Police were called to investigate on Oct. 4, 2017, when they learned the two students had established what they described as a “kill list.” Through messaging, they discussed how to carry out their threats. No weapons were found on school grounds. However, guns were collected in searches off campus.

The prosecutor in the case stated that based on the evidence gathered, the teens were planning to imitate one of Colorado’s most historical shootings. Investigators found news clippings and articles from the Columbine shooting being exchanged through texts and emails between the two suspects.
Some of the conversations included a plan to buy similar clothing to what Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold wore on April 20, 1999.

Police say both Griffin and Mannix were arrested and booked into Spring Creek for Inciting Destruction of Life or Property and Conspiracy.