Arrests made in connection with Morehead bomb scare

Eden police have arrested two Morehead High School students charged with a false bomb report to a public building. These arrests stem from two incidents which took place Sept. 28 and Sept. 30.

Zachary Wayne Murphy and Brandon Lee Stanley, both 18, have been confined to Rockingham County Jail under a $100,000 secured bond, according to a news release from the Eden Police Department. They are both scheduled to appear in Wentworth District Court Oct. 14.

Dr. Rodney Shotwell, superintendent of Rockingham County Schools, said one of the things that helps in cases like these is offering a reward.

“I had bomb threats as a high school principal, and when you start offering a reward, that’s when people come forward,” Shotwell said. “It was someone from the school who ended up telling the authorities who it was – the kids can’t help but tell someone if they know who did it.”

Shotwell said the situation was unfortunate, but that it’s important to set an example and discourage other students from similar behaviors.

“I’m hoping these arrests send a strong message to kids that you definitely don’t want to call in a bomb threat,” Shotwell said. “There is a fine line between glorifying a bomb threat and letting the public know who caused it, and that it’s being dealt with accordingly.”

Shotwell said district officials will be looking the costs in salaries and other fees that were lost during the bomb threats and present that figure to the district attorney.

“I’m not sure what the penalty will be on these boys, but I do know that state law requires a 365-day suspension,” Shotwell said. “I have a feeling restitution will be a part of the punishment, but DA Berger is very supportive of the school system and will recommend appropriate punishment.”

Betty Harrington, Morehead High School’s principal, released a statement on the bomb threats and how they were handled by school staff and authorities.

“Due to the cooperative efforts of the students and staff of Morehead High School, together with the Eden Police Department, the investigation was resolved quickly and successfully,” Harrington said. “We share in the community’s frustration when these events occur, and I’m pleased the police department brought this investigation to closure so quickly. By working cooperatively, we were able to get our school back to our important daily work of teaching and learning. We have done and continue to do everything that we can do to ensure the safety of our students, staff and school community.”

District Attorney Philip E. Berger, Jr. was unable to comment specifically on this case, since the investigation is still ongoing. He did say this was most likely a Class G felony, and punishment will be determined according to state laws.