(Kenosha Police)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Donavon Castillo, a 15-year-old who lives in the 6700 block of 30th Avenue, is at the center of a case involving credible evidence of a planned school shooting intended for Tuesday, Dec. 16. There are limits on what law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and school officials are legally allowed to say about Castillo. Those limits exist to protect due process and juvenile confidentiality. Those limits are also not absolute. When there is credible evidence of a threat to public safety — especially a potential act of mass violence — the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors, and school officials have a duty to release information necessary to protect the public. Journalists do not have those same limits, and when public safety is at stake, it is our responsibility to publish what others will not.
To date, the only public statement issued by any authority has been a vague press release from the Kenosha Unified School District. Every other meaningful fact the public now knows has been disclosed solely through Kenosha County Eye, the only active local news outlet reporting this story fully and honestly. Kenosha County Eye has asked Superintendent Jeff Weiss why schools were not closed on Tuesday given the circumstances. As of publication, we have not heard back from him.
What the public also does not know — and what is unacceptable — is where Donavon Castillo is right now.
He could be held on a Chapter 51 mental health commitment.
He could be sitting in juvenile detention.
Or he could be at home on the 6700 block of 30th Avenue, just blocks from the school he appears to have been targeting.
We do not know — because no one in authority has told us.
That uncertainty alone should alarm every parent in this community.
What we do know — from sworn affidavits, petitions, and search warrants filed with the Kenosha County Circuit Court — is deeply troubling.
Those filings establish credible evidence that Donavon Castillo, who is already an adjudicated delinquent felon for terroristic threats, was planning a school shooting intended for Tuesday, Dec. 16, and that the FBI and Kenosha Police Department intervened to stop it. This is not rumor. This is not speculation. This is evidence reviewed by judges and signed under oath.
Some of that evidence points toward KTEC, and that matters.
Court records show Castillo searched whether KTEC would be open on Dec. 16, a date he repeatedly referenced while glorifying past school shooters and tying his own behavior to the anniversary of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting. That search did not occur in isolation. It came alongside research into buying a gun, fixation on mass murderers, and an alleged attempt to disarm a Kenosha police officer after his arrest.
KTEC’s complicated history makes the situation even more alarming. KTEC was once part of the Kenosha Unified School District, operating two campuses — an east campus near Lincoln Park and a west campus in the former McKinley Middle School. Today, KTEC is no longer a KUSD school. It is a charter startup operating on 39th Avenue at St. Mary’s, serving students from across the community.
Because of that history, it is impossible to say with certainty which KTEC location Castillo had in mind. What is certain is that he was asking whether a real school — with real teachers and real students — would be open on the very date he had been signaling for weeks.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Despite this, Karre Feuker, the principal of KTEC, and Angie Andersson, the CEO of KTEC, allegedly made the decision not to notify teachers, staff, students, or families about the credible threat tied to a specific date and a specific school name. Kenosha County Eye has been told by multiple sources that educators and families were not warned in advance. Teachers were left in the dark. Parents were left uninformed. Students were never alerted.
Kenosha Unified School District then told the public there was no target of a KUSD school. That statement was technically accurate, but deeply misleading. A school was targeted. It simply was not a KUSD-operated building anymore. That distinction may satisfy lawyers and administrators. It does nothing to protect children.
Of course, there will likely be a larger police presence at KTEC on Tuesday. That much seems obvious. But that raises an even more troubling question that no one in authority is willing to address publicly: if Castillo was intent on harming children, would a visible police presence simply cause him to choose another school instead? Concentrating resources at one known location does not eliminate the threat. It merely displaces it. Schools across Kenosha will still be open. Children will still be in classrooms. Parents are being told everything is fine, even though officials know a targeted show of force at one site could push a determined attacker elsewhere.
That is not risk mitigation. It is wishful thinking.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
This brings us to the most dangerous wildcard in this entire situation: Judge Chad Kerkman.
Kerkman has an established record of being soft on violent juvenile offenders and school shooting threats, and of keeping serious cases inside the juvenile court system, where proceedings are confidential and the public is kept in the dark. He advocates for stricter gun laws while repeatedly shielding juveniles who threaten mass violence from adult accountability.
Kenosha has already seen the consequences of that approach.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
In April, Jaheem Wright brought a loaded handgun to Indian Trail High School and threatened to carry out a school shooting. Despite the gravity of the offense, Judge Chad Kerkman kept Wright’s case in juvenile court, avoiding adult prosecution and public scrutiny. Wright was ultimately adjudicated delinquent, a resolution the public would not have known about but for Kenosha County Eye’s reporting.
(Facebook.com)
The same secrecy followed the case of Cedric Bender, the juvenile accused of setting multiple vehicles on fire across Kenosha. Authorities wanted that case hidden too — until Kenosha County Eye named him and informed the public.
That history matters now.
If Castillo is charged again — even after researching gun purchases, even after allegedly trying to disarm a police officer — Kerkman is very likely to do everything possible to keep the case in juvenile court, shielded from public view. That means parents and teachers may again be left guessing whether a convicted juvenile felon who planned mass violence is sitting at home or locked up.
There is also cause for concern if the case returns to Judge Jodi Meier, who has similarly favored keeping violent juvenile cases confidential and has demonstrated confusion over media access rules in closed juvenile hearings — including one involving Castillo earlier this year.
The problem extends beyond the bench.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Assistant District Attorney Tricia Riley (D) has repeatedly criticized Kenosha County Eye for identifying juveniles involved in serious crimes — including Cedric Bender, Jaheem Wright, and Donavon Castillo. Her position appears to be that secrecy should prevail even when public safety is at stake.
I hate to say it, but Tricia — I told you so.
This op-ed will likely be controversial. It may prompt law enforcement, prosecutors, the school district, or the judiciary to finally issue a statement saying something like: “Mathewson is wrong. Castillo is still locked up. He will remain locked up through Tuesday and beyond.“
If that happens, I will not be upset. I will be relieved. I will be glad that public pressure forced transparency, and that parents can send their kids to school without wondering whether a known threat is free in the community.
Until that happens, parents are being asked to trust silence.
Tuesday is coming.
Teachers have told us they plan to call in sick. Parents have told us they are keeping their kids home. This editor will be keeping his own children home as well.
We are not encouraging panic. We are encouraging common sense.
Maybe nothing happens Tuesday. We hope nothing happens Tuesday. But if something did — after sworn affidavits, federal intervention, weapon research, and a chosen date tied to a real mass murder — none of us would forgive ourselves for pretending everything was fine.
With judges like Chad Kerkman and a system that prioritizes secrecy over safety, better safe than sorry is not alarmism.
Keep your kids home on Tuesday.
81 Responses
Assistant District Attorney Tricia Riley is the poster child for being STUPID and lazy
Ive heard that principal is completely oblivious to being proactive to school threats. I wouldn’t feel safe if your kids go there.
Ask questions and you will be shocked at the answers
What a disgrace. Never trust authorities. Your safety or your children’s safety doesn’t matter. Even the Mayor touts safety. All liars.
Do whatever you have to do to get your kids out of public school.
It is not a public school problem. Private schools are targeted and have administration issues too. Just look at our local Catholic schools. KCE reported a sex offender at All Saints. There is still no fence at that school either.
Who is the registered sex offender at All Saints?
There isn’t one. Never was. People can say anything- even if it’s entirely false- in an anonymous comment. I’m not sure why you would, but you can.
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2025/09/19/sex-offender-charged-after-lockdown-at-kenosha-school/
Not false. It was reported by KCE and there is a police report. He was hanging around outside. Wow.
You seem confused. Not an employee, but a sex offender was on school property by dumpster. KCE reporter on this.
A man was hanging around outside by the dumpster.
This is true.
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2025/09/19/sex-offender-charged-after-lockdown-at-kenosha-school/
Arrested the sex offender outside by school dumpster.
They are (all saints) get it
But you have more say in private schools
There is a lack of transparency in private schools as well.
Look into all of the issues at Christian Life School. They are staggering. That school has had more scandals than any local public school.
Love to hear the scandals about CLS; as a parent of two students I have yet to hear one so please enlighten me- and others.
Here’s a few from just this year. Don’t kid yourself, that school and church is loaded with sin.
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2025/03/29/body-cam-footage-contradicts-pastors-claim-of-cooperation-in-youth-minister-sex-crime-case/
Again, love to see proof about the school (not the church).
Another:
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2024/10/11/journey-church-pastor-charged-with-ten-more-felonies-for-stealing-nude-photos-of-woman/
Another
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2024/10/09/journey-church-pastor-re-arrested-after-todays-court-hearing-for-more-charges-involving-second-victim/
Another. Are you enlightened now?
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2024/10/02/journey-church-pastor-accused-of-capturing-intimate-photos-holding-on-7500-bail/
What scandals are you referring to???? This is ONE thing about Gabriel E Mills and this had to do with another member church. You made claims there were many….. I am waiting to hear about the rest but it doesn’t seem you have any…possibly just trying flip the story on something else so we get off real subject at hand!!
you must be one of the swingers
Yes! Look up WI SB 333. That law was inspired by the abusive behavior of educators at Christian Life School!!
When it passed it was renamed 2023 Wisconsin Act 200.
LMAO
So you don’t have any proof about the school then?
Regarding the scandals at Christian Life School- they are extensive and I don’t have time to list them all. Kevin has done some great reporting on this school, you can search his page.
Google the name Kerri Pingel. She went to Madison to have laws enacted after the traumatic emotional and sexual abuse she faced at CLS. The school even made a Facebook page about it a couple years ago, and when they got HUNDREDS of comments from former and current students with horrific stories they deleted the post altogether and never addressed it again. The culture of covering up abuse (particularly of female students) is still intact. In the case of Kerri Pingel, her abuser who worked at the school is a relative of one of the heads of the school. The abuse runs deep and so do the coverups. You don’t have to do too much searching and you’ll find what you’re looking for.
lol that’s your proof?
Dude they literally passed a whole LAW in WI inspired by the abuses at this school. What more proof do you need? 2023 WI Act 200. Look it up. There’s hundreds of similar stories from students who went to the school. What are the odds they are ALL lying? Just admit you don’t care and keep living your life.
I still see no current proof of issues. I’ll wait.
Anyone who starts a sentence with “dude” isn’t usually followed by anything credible.
If you want to know the truth, google Kerri Pingel. Staff involved in her abuse case at CLS are still working at the school.
What scandals are you referring too????
Probably not as man y as Indian Trail…been HOW many in the last 2 years…who’s in charge of hiring….
The government wants your kids dumb and obident
Obedient. You have the dumb part down.
Someone is a diehard government school lover
Obedient to the system
There is no way to edit posts, as of 12/15/25. So typos do get posted and the OP can’t fix them. I agree it is distracting but this KCE isn’t blessed with unlimited resources so I’m sure improvements will come when they are possible.
What’s the common denominator amongst the judges??? (Democrats !). 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
If I was raising my children today, I would not send them to school. I would home teach them! I did one year of home teaching for my son in his 6th grade year. He learned so much that year, when he went to Middle school for 7th grade he breezed through that year! He told me it was like everything I taught him when homeschooling him. Homeschooling curriculum is more advanced that the public school system. My granddaughter will NOT be attending school on Tuesday December 16!
That would be ideal, but unfortunately in most households both parents have to work full time to make ends meet.
And homeschooling isn’t something everybody can do well. I still think traditional public schools are the best option for most.
Also a Kenosha political problem too.
Take mom to jail to- she prob lets this kid do whatever he wants
…and Dad???
No dad. He awol
This kid has serious issues. Wow. Those body cam videos show us all we need to know.
If a “kid” can make that elaborate of a plan to shoot up a school and posting on social media, they are not a kid. They are a sick adult and need to be treated as an adult criminal. There is no rehabilitation, he just spent the last year in juvie and look what happens when he gets out of there. He has probably been planning this his entire time in juvie. I don’t know what makes someone so sick in the head that they believe killing innocent people is the answer and will solve their problems.
These kids should be treated as adults. Doing so would be prudent until this phenomenon subsides. Children like this should should also have their online communications reviewed to find out if the child was blackmailed into this type of behavior. If so, the blackmailers should also be arrested and tried as an accessory.
That makes great sense, if for no other reason than no higher power in education than the national education association and teachers union leadership told us during covid that nobody actually has to go to school anymore and it won’t have any negative effect because we say so. Despite fed-printed “education safety” billions sent out across the country that jacked inflation up like crazy, students were told to stay home. Certainly one day in December won’t be a problem for everyone to accept and agree to. Or one week, or one month, if the crazy kid is still running around free.
This type of stuff is exactly why we put our son in Homeschool and he’s doing great and He is safe!
Mom should be charged
…and Dad???
No school is safe. The only thing that a parent can do is educate there children about being safe in any and all public and private places. If a person panics in a bad emergency situation it just makes it more dangerous. Teach them to think for themselves.
Sounds easy but doesn’t make a lot of sense. The kid we’re worried about is, “thinking for himself”.
Public schools have and will always be a government funded daycare where children are neglected, abused, sold drugs, groomed, taught transgender lifestyles and promotes sexual deviates. Truly the only beneficial ones are the teachers union members and useless souls like Weise, Modder, etc. who benefit. The useless list could go on forever. If you love your child get them the hell out of KUSD.
BINGO
Here they go with this sorry ass single mom shit already
Weiss is vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.
Gonna be 86° today !
So KUSD is trying to be quite transparent or whatever you would call it. At 8:55 this morning on Dec 15 they send out information reminding parents they can report a student absent through infinite campus.
Wow, a little to late KUSD!
Kevin Mathewson declares “no school” Tuesday!
Hopefully, Next time he will declare it for a Friday or Monday.
As usual, not a word from other big “news” outlets in SE Wi.
Not a word.
why the hell is there a CEO in a school ? its not a buisness. KTECs saftey procedures and prevention suck. they might bennfit from meeting with bill haithcock , he has a amazing epergency operations plan in place.
Homeschool your kids. Weiss doesn’t care about them. All he cares about is his paycheck
We are a broken society that started failing many, many, many years ago.
Many schools dont want to have cops in the schools as they think its bad PR or they are afraid the cops will be mean to the little ones. Good police departments work first of all in having nationally certified school resource officers. The department picks candidates who have good values, can remain calm and have a good demeanor with staff, parents and kids. Look up NASRO and see.
The schools should have a safety system in them…while some schools use Alice, the Watcher personally recommends:https://iloveuguys.org/
I’m sure the shootings from Parkland to Brown University all felt they were safe and did not need additional training, personnel or equipment….I’m sure today they think different.
Love that CLS has two armed retired officers at the school.
AMEN BROTHER! DON’T TRUST THOSE MORONS! BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!
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