A transgender teenager has been sentenced to six years in prison for plotting a shooting spree at three different schools. William Whitworth, who identifies as “Lilly,” was given credit for 306 days as time served since his arrest in March 2023.
Whitworth was charged with two counts of first-degree murder attempt, criminal mischief, menacing, and interference with educational institutions’ staff, faculty, or students. He admitted to planning a school shooting, naming his former middle school, Timberview, as the principal target. His other targets were Prairie Hills Elementary and Pine Creek High School, all located in Colorado Springs.
The plan was unearthed when Elbert County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance call at Whitworth’s residence in Elbert, Colorado, where a family member claiming Whitworth had threatened to carry out a school shooting. A search of Whitworth’s room reportedly revealed a disturbing manifesto, filled with references to serial killers, politicians, and entertainers, including mentions of the Columbine shooters and former President Trump. Due to Whitworth’s transgender status, his prison designation was not immediately clear. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is yet to comment on the case.