Volusia County, FL — A shocking incident at a central Florida school has led to the arrest of an 11-year-old student after deputies say she created and announced a “kill list” containing multiple names. Authorities confirm this marks the third similar case within the county involving an 11-year-old in the past year.
School Staff Alert Authorities After Disturbing Discovery
The incident occurred Monday at the Riverview Learning Center, where school staff reportedly noticed the young girl writing a kill list on her desk. The list included four names, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO).
Deputies say the student told them she “was just playing” after being questioned, but authorities emphasized that such threats are taken seriously, regardless of age or intent.
As per the reports, the 11-year-old now faces:
- A charge of making a written threat to kill
- A violation of probation charge
Officials have not released additional details about her prior probation case, but the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that she was taken into custody following the incident.
This Isn’t the First Incident Involving a “Kill List”
The Sheriff’s Office pointed out that another 11-year-old student from Southwestern Middle School made headlines just last month for a nearly identical situation — writing a kill list on his desk because he was “angry and having a bad day,” according to deputies.
Additionally, about one year ago, a different 11-year-old child was arrested after threatening to shoot up either Creekside Middle School or Silver Sands Middle School in Port Orange.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood shared information about that case at the time:
“He had a written list of names and targets,” Chitwood wrote. “He says it was all a joke.”
But law enforcement continues to stress that threats against schools — whether written, verbal, or online — are not jokes and will result in immediate legal action.
A Pattern of Concerning Behavior Among Young Students
These incidents come amid what officials describe as a disturbing increase in school-related threats in Central Florida, even among children who are not yet teenagers.
Students who make threats:
- Can face felony charges
- Risk long-term juvenile justice consequences
- Trigger heightened fear and anxiety among classmates and staff
The Sheriff’s Office said they are actively working with school administrators to investigate the motives behind these recurring threats and ensure student safety.
Schools and Law Enforcement Urge Parents to Talk to Their Kids
Officials say parents play a crucial role in preventing threats and harmful behavior from escalating.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes messaging such as:
- Threats = consequences
- “Jokes” about violence are not games
- Students must learn responsible communication — even during moments of anger or stress
Counseling, supervision, and improved communication between home and school are recommended to help younger students understand the seriousness of their actions.
Student Safety Remains Top Priority
Across Volusia County, school districts have strengthened safety protocols, including:
- Immediate reporting of concerning behavior
- Collaboration with School Resource Officers
- Increased mental health resources on campuses
Sheriff Chitwood previously said the community must remain alert and proactive in keeping schools safe from threats — regardless of the age of the person making them.
What’s Your Reaction?
Do you think criminal charges are the right consequence for students as young as 11 making violent threats?
Should schools or parents be doing more to prevent these incidents before they happen?
Share your thoughts — and your ideas for student safety — in the comments below.
