Bail delayed for teen suspect in website threats

A 15-year-old charged with making threats against his fellow high school students in Hudson, Que., will stay in jail a few more days because his parents skipped his bail hearing Tuesday.

The teen, who can't be named because he is a minor, appeared in a youth court in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Tuesday morning seeking bail.

The judge was forced to delay the hearing because the teen's lawyer, Joanne Leduc, failed to reach his parents to ensure their presence in court.

When the teen spoke to his sister, she told him their parents were at work, and couldn't make it, Leduc told the youth court Tuesday.

Under the Criminal Code, parents are required to be informed of any accusations made against their child. Minors accused of a crime can only be released on bail if a responsible adult can vouch for their care, said judge Jean Gravel.

The teen's bail hearing was postponed until Thursday.

Hudson high school threatened

Quebec provincial police arrested the 15-year-old early Monday morning, after officers were tipped off about the threats, which were posted on vampirefreaks.com, an online goth community.

Kimveer Gill, the man who went on a shooting rampage at Dawson College Sept. 13, used the website to host his blog and profile.

The threats targeting students at Westwood High School read: "This will happen at Hudson High. When it does, I can't wait to die, or help in the process."

Police wouldn't say how serious the threats were, but a spokesman said Monday they were not taking any chances in the wake of the Dawson shootings. They posted a patrol car at the high school as a precaution.

The threat was chilling to students who know the 15-year-old suspect.

"He's a nice guy, but he just has to learn the limit of jokes, and no jokes," said David Langevin.

Several students at Westwood High went home early Monday when news of the threats spread through the school.

Some parents were angry the school remained open, and were upset they didn't learn about the threats until their children told them.

"I would have liked to have heard more about it," said Teri Langevin, David's mother. "I think the school should really have closed down, from the outcry from last week's Dawson shooting."

Westwood High School principal Michael Miller said there was no reason for the school to shut down, especially since police acted so quickly.

Copycat threats

Police across Quebec have reported similar incidents involving teens uttering threats against classmates.

A high school student in Quebec City was suspended from school for threatening his classmates last Friday, two days after the Dawson College shootings.

In Shawinigan, a 19-year old teen was arrested after he was spotted pacing in front of a local high school carrying a pellet gun.

The firearm was wrapped inside a garbage bag and wasn't loaded, said Shawinigan police. But the teen will be charged with uttering threats and the dangerous use of a weapon.