School Shooting: Prosecutor Withholding Noblesville Suspect Info

HAMILTON COUNTY, IN — Hamilton County Prosecutor D. Lee Buckingham said he won't release information about the suspect in Friday's school shooting at Noblesville West Middle School until charges have been filed, according to a Tuesday news release from his office. According to Buckingham, the shooting investigation is ongoing.

"The state cannot confirm the identity of the suspect, describe the nature of the offense, detail any steps in litigation, and so forth until (a juvenile delinquency) petition has been filed," Buckingham's office said in the release.

The release didn't say when charges would be filed, but did say, "Whenever a petition has been filed alleging that a child is delinquent as the result of an alleged act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, only then may very limited information be released pursuant to statute."

Buckingham's office adds that juvenile law creates additional protection for the privacy of Indiana children.

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Noblesville West Middle School students returned to class Tuesday just four days after the suspect opened fire inside a classroom on seventh grade teacher Jason Seaman and 13-year-old student Ella Whistler.

Seaman, who is recovering after being shot three times Friday, spoke at a press conference Friday. Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, superintendent of Noblesville Schools, also spoke, saying Ella was making progress.

Patch will continue updating this story as information becomes available.

More: hamiltoncounty.in.gov

Photo: Substitute teacher Joanie Lynne, (L) consoles instructional assistant Paige Rose outside Noblesville West Middle School after a shooting at the school on May 25, 2018 in Noblesville, Indiana. One teacher and one student were initially reported injured. (Photo by Kevin Moloney/Getty Images)