Palmer Trinity Student On House Arrest For Alleged Threats
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A student at Palmer Trinity School was arrested after he reportedly threatened another student.
Seventeen-year-old Daniel Villacampa was taken into custody at the school in Palmetto Bay on Monday. Miami-Dade police said the threats were made via text message and the parent of another student called them about it.
"In the messages, it was stated that there were threats, he was going to shoot him, stab him in the neck," said police spokesman Det. Alvaro Zabaleta.
A search of the Villacampa's backpack turned up a weapon.
"Investigators found a pocket knife inside the book bag, he was placed under arrest and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a weapon on school property," said Zabaleta.
The student told investigators, "I carry it all the time, but I never pull it out."
During his first appearance before a judge on Tuesday, Villacamoa held his mom's hand as the charges were read.
The judge ordered the student to be placed under house arrest. He would be allowed to leave only to go to school and church. The teen will not be going back to Palmer Trinity, however, because he is not allowed to be anywhere near the classmate he allegedly threatened.
The teen's lawyer said he was a good kid.
"He's going to have a just resolution to this matter, we look forward to a just resolution to this matter," said defense attorney Curt Abront. "I can't comment on evidence in a pending case."
A spokesperson for Palmer Trinity, where tuition can run $30,000 a year, said Villacampa will never be allowed to return to the school.
Parents were aghast to hear of the reported death threats.
"It's just something that shocks you, you don't expect that to happen in a place like this," said Humberto Dominguez. "But I guess today, it's just today's environment."