Male Juvenile Suspected of Disturbing Social Media Message Towards Waverly-Shell Rock Schools

A male juvenile has been identified as the author of a disturbing social media post aimed at the Waverly-Shell Rock School District on Sunday (Sept. 20) night.

Waverly Police say it received a call shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday about the post. Police worked with WSR and the Butler County Sheriff’s Department through the evening to investigate the post’s legitimacy, intent and origin.

Police say the student responsible for the post has no current access to firearms and was not in school Monday. Further investigations will be handled by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

Superintendent David Hill released an email to all parents in the school district Sunday night, which, in part, reads: “Late this evening, Waverly-Shell Rock school officials were made aware of a concerning social media message that has been shared among some of our students and families. The message includes an image of what appears to be a firearm along with the words, “Don’t come to school tomorrow.”

The message also cautioned: “Because this is an active investigation, we ask families to avoid speculation or further circulation of the image. Anyone who has firsthand information that may assist with the investigation should share that information directly with law enforcement. Questions or information regarding the investigation should also be directed to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

Waverly Police say they will continue to assist in the investigation and provide extra patrols in the school district throughout the week.

The full message sent to Waverly-Shell Rock families is below:

Dear Waverly-Shell Rock Families,

Late this evening, Waverly-Shell Rock school officials were made aware of a concerning social media message that has been shared among some of our students and families. The message includes an image of what appears to be a firearm along with the words, “Don’t come to school tomorrow.”

School administrators and law enforcement have identified the source of the message and have been in direct contact with the students and families involved. Appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that the individual who was the source of the message will not be present at school tomorrow. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the message.

Based on the contacts that have been made this evening, we have no information indicating that there is an elevated safety risk at our schools tomorrow. District administrators will continue working closely with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds. As an added precaution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School and Waverly-Shell Rock High School tomorrow.

Because this is an active investigation, we ask families to avoid speculation or further circulation of the image. Anyone who has firsthand information that may assist with the investigation should share that information directly with law enforcement. Questions or information regarding the investigation should also be directed to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

We understand that seeing or hearing about a message like this can be concerning for students, families, and staff. Please know that the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue working closely with law enforcement and taking appropriate precautions. 

We will share additional information with families if and when it becomes appropriate to do so.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our schools safe.

David R. Hill

Superintendent

Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District