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Madison School Shooter Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder Charges

Tana Weingartner
/
WVXU

James Austin Hancock was back in a Butler County juvenile courtroom Thursday. The 15-year-old pleaded guilty to four counts of attempted murder and one count of inducing panic following a Feb. 29 shooting at Madison Jr/Sr High School.

As part of the plea deal, four counts of felonious assault were dismissed.

Judge Ronald Craft has ordered a pre-sentence investigation. It is to include a psychological evaluation. Hancock, who was 14 at the time of the shooting, would serve time in a juvenile facility but could be transferred to adult prison at the age of 21 to serve any remainder.

Sentencing is set for June 6 at 2:30 p.m.

What Happened

Authorities say Hancock entered the Jr/Sr high school cafeteria on the morning of Feb. 29 and shot two students. Two others were injured. He fled but was apprehended just outside the school. He was charged March 1 with charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, inducing panic, and making terrorist threats, all felonies.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.