Judge releases Benson High chemical suspect to father for psychiatric care

Key points

• The teen faces 19 charges, including one count of first-degree domestic terrorism and 12 counts of attempted murder.
• Prosecutors stated the suspect mixed hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide, causing at least seven people to seek medical care and over 100 to be checked.
• Defense attorneys argued the teen is at high risk of suicide and requires secure, locked psychiatric care, which the Perry Center provides.
• The judge ordered the teen released to his father with conditions to attend all hearings and not leave the treatment program.
• A rehearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, with a final custody decision expected in about six weeks.

Background

This case follows a broader trend of teen violence linked to online extremist groups, such as the '764' group mentioned in earlier FBI investigations. The Sept. 8 incident at Benson High School resulted in a hazmat response and significant community trauma, with school officials describing the impact on students as 'terror.'

How outlets are covering it

KPTV and KATU reported on the court proceedings and the specific charges, noting the disagreement between prosecutors and defense over the teen's placement. KPTV highlighted the prosecutor's request for a rehearing and the judge's decision to release the teen to his father. KATU emphasized the total of 19 charges, including the 12 counts of attempted murder. KVAL did not provide relevant content on this story, as its source was a poll on a gubernatorial debate.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complex intersection of juvenile justice, mental health, and domestic terrorism charges. The decision to release the teen for psychiatric care rather than detention raises questions about the balance between public safety and the need for specialized mental health treatment for young offenders.

What to watch

A rehearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. A final decision on the teen's custody status is expected in about six weeks, after the completion of his current treatment program.