Ohio School Investigates Student ‘Kill List’ Discovered in Journal

Photo of Otsego Elementary School in Woods County, Ohio.

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | National News

WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — An elementary school in northwest Ohio is taking disciplinary action after two alarming lists labeled “Kill List” and “Death Note” were recovered from a student’s journal, according to statements from Otsego Local Schools and local media with WPTA and WTVG.

School administrators say the incident came to light last week when a student reported seeing another child writing concerning content while riding the school bus. Staff obtained the notebook and found two separate lists containing the names of fourth- and fifth-grade students. Some entries reportedly included disturbing notes suggesting that the children would be restrained and harmed.

District officials immediately initiated a threat assessment in coordination with local law enforcement. After reviewing the situation, the district determined there was no credible threat to student safety and stressed that no individuals were ever in danger.

“This behavior is unacceptable and will be addressed according to district guidelines,” the school said in a written statement.

Superintendent Kevin O’Shea publicly thanked the student who came forward with concerns, noting that student vigilance played a key role in the swift response.

“I want to commend the student or students who reported what they saw,” O’Shea said. “They absolutely did the right thing, and their willingness to speak up allowed us to act quickly to ensure the safety of all students.”

Parents and guardians of any student whose name was included on the lists were notified by email by the end of Monday, the district said.

Otsego Local Schools emphasized that maintaining a safe learning environment remains its highest priority, and administrators will continue to follow district policy and the student code of conduct as the investigation and disciplinary process move forward.

This is a developing story. Stay with The Weekly Ledger News for updates.

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