The Kenosha Unified School District and the Kenosha Police Department have debunked a report by TMJ4 that was aired recently by Andrea Albers.
According to the report, the Kenosha Unified School District and the Kenosha Police Department knew about threats made by 13-year-old Donovan Castillo. The media outlet sourced an unidentified father at Mahone Middle School.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
According to an email received late Saturday evening from Tanya Ruder, Chief Communications officer for KUSD: “Prior to the incident, concerns were raised with staff regarding images of airsoft guns, not threats or other concerning content, and these concerns were thoroughly investigated. Had any threats been made, district staff would have immediately involved law enforcement as part of our standard threat assessment process.”
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
After hearing from Kenosha Unified Saturday evening, KCE made contact with Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton, who confirmed what KUSD told us. “The Kenosha Police Department does not have any records of any incidents or contact involving [Castillo,]” said Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton.
“I’ve seen the work of Chief Patton and how seriously KUSD values students’ safety and any claims that TMJ4 is making, undermines the trust that families and the community have with the Kenosha Police Department and the Kenosha Unified School District,” said a local elected official that didn’t want to be named.’
Due to the misinformation that was broadcasted by TMJ4, a small, anti-gun non-profit called The One In Five – Foundation For Kids, formerly, “The Uvalde Foundation For Kids,” has rescinded a $5,000 “School Safety Grant.” The small group, that receives less than $50,000 a year, stated:
“While our foundation continues to honor the efforts this week of school staff to prevent this student from entering campus, we are concerned that the school was aware previously of the potential danger this individual posed and failed to take it seriously and report concerns with appropriate followup. That noted, we cannot in good conscience at this point move forward in presenting this recognition, until answers are provided and students are ensured better protection in advance from potential incidents such as this week.”
In a new report tonight, TMJ4 doubled down and reported “over half a dozen previous reports that were made previous to the incident this week, from students and parents about the individual’s threatening statements and behavior.”
20 Responses
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I believe KPD for the most part.
However, for Ruder to sit here and say they would have notified police had they known…..no….I think KUSD lost the assumption that they always do the right thing (and this can be documented by the tons of stories on this very site).
Matter of fact, given KUSD’s reputation….I don’t think Ruder is being honest.
Ruder honestly should look for a new job because it consistently seems to be her name behind shit that ends up being false (and I get she just disseminates information but it portrays her in a negative light when it’s always her name behind information that turns out to be false).
I’m sure she is great at her job….but that’s my point. I’m sure she can find another job for a school district that isn’t hiding all this shit or “didn’t know it was going on” when it comes to groomers, sexual abusers, drunk teachers, etc.
I mean….how many times do you really want your name on CNN or the local big city’s news before you decide it’s time to stop working for a school district?
She’s never honest .
This is a link to the story where TMJ4 is “doubling down.” People can decide who they want to believe. Maybe a real investigation is in order, not one by district or the Kenosha police. Neither entity is entitled to the benefit of the doubt.
Kenosha parents react after national award is canceled following school shooting threat https://www.tmj4.com/news/kenosha-county/kenosha-parents-react-after-national-award-is-canceled-following-school-shooting-threat
correct, very fishy and looks like another false falg in conjuction with the kpd
“False Flag” lol
I know at least 2 parents who have spoken to their Mahone students. The students told them that questions were raised about this kid from students One named a specific teacher who point blank told the child to “stop spreading rumors “.
Debunked? Not at all.
If the school district knew, they should have told the police. In fact, it is very likely that if teachers and other staff knew, the school resource officer knew. If the kid was “drawing guns” who can anyone honestly and with a straight face say they were “air soft guns.” That reeks of a feeble attempt at CYA. TMJ4 has some journalist ethics. I doubt they would report something that is not true. I certainly trust them more than both the school district and the police.
….to report anything even remotely criminal directly to law enforcement. Period !!
Reporting to there superiors in the school is done at the same time.
School officials are not qualified or authorized to investigate criminal activity and conduct other than to assist in the police investigation. Period. !!
These teachers need to read the Riot Act !!
They don’t work in a vacuum. They are still a part of society at large
It is possible KUSD knew and did not report it to KPD, so KPD stating they did not know could be completely accurate. My understanding is school admin policies do not require a report with the police, schools conduct an investigation and then determine if they want the police involved. If KPD was made aware of the situation by parents outside of the school system, KPD would still need to work with the school administrators. Unless there is an immediate threat the school admins are in control of anything on school grounds. KUSD administration needs to be removed, they clearly are failing when it comes to protecting kids. Investigation needs to start with KUSD.
Was TMJ4 actually in Kenosha investigating, or
just reporting what somebody told them?
Yes, Andrea Albers waddled down here for the story.
It’s KUSD. Does anyone think they give a shit about the kids? How many arrests have been made, how many stories of grooming and flirting? How many kids have been injured or killed by KUSD sweeping shit under the rug? KUSD is a joke
Anything with KUSD has an angle that fits them, not students or parents.
Imagine watching the local news on television and believing that you’re being properly informed.
ABSOLUTELY spot on. Can’t believe anyone still does. It’s someone who would still believe anything that is said on MSNBC after they have been proven to have NOT said anything factual if almost a decade NOTHING.
Half a dozen threats made by this kid?! I thought threats were to be taken seriously! That kid should have been expelled if all these threats have been made! Obviously there have been red flags. Did anyone put him in mental health counseling or was this ignored too. The parents & KUSD need to do a better job!
Thanks Chief Patton. Maybe you shouldn’t have your shirts tailored to show your pride and joy biceps. Also you could get a new vest carrier since you haven’t washed it and it is dirty. Nice example.
He has a new one. This is an old photo. Give the guy a break.
Are Tanya’s lips moving….. then she’s lying. I don’t believe debunked at all.