Two Florida teenagers accused of planning a disturbing school attack reportedly laughed and joked in the back of a police car after being arrested — behavior prosecutors say shows just how serious the threat may have been.
The two suspects, Lois Olivios Lippert, 14, and Isabelle Aurelia Valdez, 15, from Altamonte Springs near Orlando, were taken into custody earlier this year after authorities uncovered what investigators describe as a gruesome plan to carry out a violent attack at Lake Brantley High School.
Prosecutors revealed video footage during a recent bond hearing showing the two teens laughing and joking about their situation while sitting in the patrol car.
At one point, Valdez joked that she had planned to do her makeup before school so she would look better in her mugshot.
“I’m glad I don’t look too bad today,” Lippert replied in the footage.
Valdez then responded, “At least they will see me in the mugshot some way or another.”
The pair even joked about potentially becoming a “lesbian couple in jail,” according to prosecutors who presented the video as evidence that the teens remain a serious threat to the community.
Authorities say the alleged plot was deeply disturbing. According to court documents, the two teens were allegedly planning to recreate elements of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, one of the most horrific tragedies in American history.
Investigators say Valdez was reportedly obsessed with Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook massacre that killed 20 elementary school children.
According to prosecutors, Valdez believed that committing a killing could create what she described as a “blood bond” with Lanza that would somehow resurrect him.
Court documents cite Discord messages allegedly sent by Valdez, including one where she wrote, “holy shit im gonna make a blood ritual for adam lanza LMAOOOO,” and another message telling her friend that “it’s gonna be over by tomorrow.”
Authorities say the plan involved ambushing a student inside a school restroom. The teens allegedly discussed stabbing the victim in the stomach or cutting his throat, leaving flowers at the scene, and smoking a cigarette afterward.
Investigators also say Lippert created drawings depicting the alleged victim dead and hanging from a rope, along with other disturbing sketches.
The alleged plot was uncovered after a student contacted authorities, demonstrating the effectiveness of the “see something, say something” approach that law enforcement often encourages.
Assistant State Attorney Domenick Leo told the court that releasing the teens would pose too great a risk.
“There are no conditions of release reasonably sufficient to protect the community from the risk of physical harm,” Leo said.
The judge ultimately agreed, ordering both teens to remain in custody without bond. Despite their ages, both suspects will be tried as adults and face charges of attempted murder.
While the case is still moving through the legal system, authorities say the quick action of a student who reported the threat may have prevented a tragedy.
And in a time when threats can spread quickly online, this case serves as a reminder that speaking up when something feels wrong can make all the difference in keeping communities safe.
