SERIOUS INJURY IN MONTROSE HIGH SCHOOL ATTACKPosted by Janine Mayfield on May 21st, 2009

**Thursday May 21, 2009**
The teen accused of slicing a Montrose High School student’s neck in November was sentenced yesterday. Judge Jeff Herron sentenced the now 15-year-old Michael Yates to 18 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections to be suspended if he completes 7 years in a youth offender program that was described as being more difficult than the adult boot camp program. In one sentence, Yates addressed the victim and her family saying he was sorry.     (Posted 5:53a  05/22/09)

**Monday May 4, 2009**
Andrew Brown appeared in court today for his preliminary hearing in his involvement with Michael Yates in the November 11, 2008 attack on a Montrose High School student. Lead Detective Mike Watson testified that Brown did conspire with Yates in the attack, mentioning interaction between the two before and after the attack. Judge Jeff Herron sees probable cause in the attack, and that there was a conspiracy to commit the crime. Brown is to be arraigned May 27th.

Points made in today’s hearing by MPD Detective Mike Watson:
*One key witness (name being withheld)
*That key witness saw/heard 3 people (two males & one female) having a conversation outside of MHS, this person overheard one of the males saying he was angry and wanted to stab someone.
*According to police interviews with the 3 people and witnesses:
§ Michael Yates was angry and was carrying a knife
§ The two boys (Yates & Brown) planned to head to City Market to attack someone else…that’s when Yates was caught by police.
§ Brown is reported saying, “That (expletive) got what she deserved.”
§ Yates appeared angry before the incident.
§ Brown was upset, and asked Yates if he wanted help. Yates said, “I got it.”
§ After the incident, Brown, Yates, and a third person (previously “mentioned”) met up with “knuckle-pumping” and Brown saying “Homey just stabbed someone.”
§ Brown took the knife after the slashing.
§ The Haulman sisters (Mallory was the victim in this incident) recall someone following them outside of the school but couldn’t describe the person.

*The third person involved in the conversation with Yates and Brown is a female teenager and hasn’t been charged in this incident.
*The first 911 call came in at 7:59am
*It appears cell phone records, surveillance video timestamps, and dispatch calls don’t synchronize with each other.
*Yates was interviewed before police were able to watch surveillance video.
*Some police notes were destroyed-apparently the notes were vague and not pertinent to the case.
*All pertinent information was transferred to digital data storage.
*In one interview, the recorder stopped working, so Detective Watson, had to write that report from memory.
*Defense Attorney Bill Richardson asked for a continuance due to the lack of evidence and discrepancy in the timeline.
*Prosecution said they had all the evidence they needed (but need to figure out why times on cell phones, surveillance videos, and dispatch don’t match up).
*Judge Jeff Herron denied Richardson’s request for a continuance.
*Judge Herron ruled that there was probable cause, intent to harm another individual, the physical evidence is clear, and there was conspiracy to commit the crime.
*Andrew Brown is to be arraigned at 9:00am, May 27, 2009. He’s being charged with conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder.
*Michael Yates pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted murder in March. He appears in court for sentencing at 4:00pm, May 21, 2009.
(Posted 1:27p–Jim Kapp contributed to this story 05/04/09)

**Wednesday March 25, 2009**
Today, the 14-year-old boy accused of severely injuring a Montrose High School student in November pleaded guilty to 1st degree attempted murder, a class-2 felony. Michael Yates pleaded guilty in return of dropping the second count brought against him, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault. He could serve up to 24 years in prison. Yates is scheduled to be back in court for his sentencing May 21st at 4:00pm. Andrew Brown, also charged in this incident for conspiracy, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in May.     (Posted 3:30p  03/25/09)

**Wednesday March 11, 2009**
Michael Yates appeared in court today only to have his hearing continued. Yates’ attorney, Harvey Palefsky said he received a letter of disposition but didn’t have time to go over it yet. The 14-year-old is accused in the November 11th attack on Mallory Haulman at Montrose High School. He’s being charged as an adult with attempted first degree murder on the 17-year-old, who survived and is back in school.  Yates is set to be back in court at 1:00pm March 25.   (Posted 4:12p  03/11/09)

**Wednesday February 25, 2009**
The second 14-year-old boy accused in the November attack on Mallory Haulman at Montrose High School is now facing charges of a class-3 felony. Defense Attorney Bill Richardson objected, and also brought up the fact that he still hasn’t been able to review a witness’ interview from the day of the attack, and asked that notes from all interviews be preserved. Deputy District Attorney Lou Mehlig was confused about what notes Richardson was referring to, but said he’d look into it.  Andrew Brown is scheduled to be back in court March 25th.   (Posted 6:55a  02/26/09)

**Wednesday February 4, 2009**
The DA’s office approached Judge Jeff Herron and Defense Attorney Bill Richardson yesterday in hopes to amend the charges against the second 14-year-old boy allegedly involved in the attack on Mallory Haulman at Montrose High School in November. According to the Daily Press, the boy is currently accused to criminal attempt to commit accessory to a crime, but the DA’s office would like to amend it to conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, a class 3 felony. 14-year-old Michael Yates, not a student at MHS, who didn’t know Mallory, attacked her because the voices in his head allegedly told him to. It’s believed the second boy; a student at MHS conspired with Yates to attack someone at the school. The boy is free on bond and is to be under 24-hour parent supervision, a move the defense was trying to loosen yesterday, as well. The boy is to appear back in court February 25th.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 6:44a  02/04/2009)

**Wednesday January 14, 2009**
Michael Yates appeared in court today in attempt to enter a plea. Public Defender Harvey Palefsky says he needs more time to get additional information including the psychological elements of his client before entering a plea.  Assistant DA Jerry Montgomery had no objection to the continuance. Judge Jeff Herron granted a request to reset the plea.  Michael Yates is accused of attempted 1st degree murder for attacking 17-year-old Mallory Haulman at Montrose High School November 11.  He is to appear back in court in March.  (Posted 6:13p  01/14/09)

A petition has been filed against the second 14-year-old boy involved in the knifing incident at Montrose High School. The juvenile is facing 1 count of criminal attempt to commit accessory to a crime, a class 5 felony if committed by an adult, and attempted to commit murder in the 1st degree against 17-year-old Mallory Haulman on November 11. Defense Attorney Bill Richardson asked that his client be allowed under supervision with people other than his parents. Judge Jeff Heron denied that request saying he needs more information on who the defendant would be under care of. Judge Herron also requested that the juvenile have no contact with the victim, her family, or the high school. He is to appear back in court February 4th.   (Posted 3:45p  01/14/09)

**Monday December 22, 2008**
District Attorney Myrl Serra was granted more time today by Judge Herron to bring formal charges against the 14-year-old boy accused in conspiring with 14-year-old Michael Yates to attack a student at Montrose High School November 11th.  Serra requested the boy undergo a mental health evaluation.  Meanwhile, Defense Attorney Bill Richardson asked that his client be granted a $5,000 bond so he can spend time with his family over the holidays.  The boy will be under 24-hour supervision by his parents and is scheduled to appear back in court next month.
(Posted 6:01a   12/22/2008)

**Wednesday, December 10, 2008**
Until further notice, a testing freeze is in place regarding the evidence in the November 11th, Montrose High School incident. The Daily Press reports that for the benefit of 14-year-old Michael Yates, Public Defender Harvey Palefsky filed the order so the evidence can be examined at its original state.  Yates is being charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault for allegedly attacking a student at the high school.  Mallory Haulman is recovering and has since returned to school.  A second 14-year-old boy is accused in conspiring with Yates in the attack.  Yates appears in court next month.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 6:53a  12/10/2008)

**Thursday December 4, 2008**
The second 14-year-old boy suspected of conspiring with 14-year-old Michael Yates to injure a student at Montrose High School has yet to be formally charged. During his hearing today, more time was granted by Assistant DA, Jerry Montgomery, saying the case is complex.  The boy will appear in court on December 22nd.  Yates has been charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault for attacking 17-year-old Mallory Haulman on November 11th.  Both boys are being held separately at Grand Mesa Youth Services in Grand Junction.
(Posted 11:20a   12/04/08)

**Wednesday November 26, 2008**
The first 14-year-old suspect arrested in the Montrose High School knifing incident appeared in court today (Wednesday November 26, 2008). The arrest affidavit confirms that he is Michael Yates.  The affidavit also states he was led by voices in his head to hurt someone with a knife.  Yates allegedly told police that that he didn’t know who he was going to target until he saw the girl.  17-year-old Mallory Haulman sustained serious injuries in the November 11th attack, but is recovering and has returned back to school.  Yates has been charged as an adult with first-degree attempted murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.  If convicted of these charges, the criminal intent charge, a class 2 felony, could give him from 8-24 years or up to 48 if aggravated circumstances are proved.  The class 4 felony, the conspiracy charge, could give him from 2-8 years or up to 16 if aggravated circumstances are proven.  Yates is scheduled to appear back in court December 9th.
(Posted 3:40p  11/26/08)

**Monday November 24, 2008**
Formal charges have been filed against the 14-year-old who allegedly slit the throat of a student at Montrose High School. The boy is being charged as an adult in attempt to commit first-degree murder as well as conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.  17-year-old Mallory Haulman is recovering and has returned back to school.  Both juveniles arrested in this case are being held separately in the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center in Grand Junction.
Source: DA’s Office-7th Judicial District       (Posted 3:39p   11/24/08)

The second 14-year-old boy arrested in the November 11th, Montrose High School incident appeared in court Friday. According to the Daily Press, the District Attorney’s office has been given 10 more days to formally file charges.  The boy was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy a few days after the alleged slashing of 17-year-old Mallory Haulman’s throat.  Haulman is recovering and has since returned to school.  The 14-year-old accused of committing the crime was not a student at the high school, however the alleged conspirator is, and it’s being recommended that he be expelled.  His next court appearance is set for December 4th.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 6:00a   11/24/08)

**Wednesday November 19, 2008**
Judge Herron decided today that for the safety of the 1st 14-year-old suspect in the Montrose High School incident, as well as the safety of the community, that he remain in Grand Mesa Youth Services in Grand Junction until further notice.  The juvenile is accused of attempted 1st degree murder in the attack of 17-year-old Mallory Haulman at MHS last Tuesday.  The 14-year-old will next appear in court on November 26th at 1:30.   (Posted 9:42a   11/19/08)

**Tuesday November 18, 2008**
17-year old Mallory Haulman returned to school yesterday after being attacked last week. The Daily Press reports that she was worried about falling behind and was pretty eager to get back to life at Montrose High School.  Last Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy, not a student at the high school, attacked Mallory just inside the main entrance to the school.  Police caught the boy after a short foot chase.  Last Thursday, a second 14-year-old boy was arrested, who does attend MHS.  The incident, involving a straight-edge weapon, is under investigation.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 5:47a   11/18/08)

Around 40 people attended last night’s Parent Advisory Committee Meeting at Montrose High School. According to the Daily Sentinel, Susan Payne, a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lectured the group on how to look for warning signs of a troubled child.  Payne says it’s the responsibility of parents and school staff to recognize these signs and to utilize the Safe2Tell hotline.  Ever since last Tuesday’s attack on a student, the school has beefed up security by keeping side doors locked and telling students not to let strangers in the building.  Two 14-year-old boys have since been arrested, but no formal charges have been made.  17-year-old Mallory Haulman was attacked from behind with a straight-edge weapon, and was rushed to the hospital.  Mallory expects a full recovery and actually attended classes yesterday.  For more information on Safe2Tell visit safe2tell.org or call 877-542-SAFE.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 6:54a   11/18/08)

**Friday November 14, 2008**
A second 14-year-old male has been taken into custody regarding Tuesday’s incident at MHS. This suspect IS a student at the high school.  A motive of the case has yet to be determined, however it is believed that the attack was a random act of violence.
AUDIO LISTEN To MPD PIO Kathi Kinkel Confirm And Describe The Arrest
Source: A highly placed source   (Posted 9:49a   11/14/08)

**Wednesday November 12, 2008**
Montrose High School is open for regular hours Wednesday.  Counselors are available for students and staff.  The hospital reports that Mallory was released and is recovering at home.  The police department reports that the boy is being held on charges of attempted 1st degree murder.
AUDIO LISTEN To MHS Spokeswoman Linda Gann Describe “The Day After”
(Posted 10:14a    11/12/08)

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SERIOUS INJURY IN MONTROSE HIGH SCHOOL ATTACK (additional info).Posted by Janine Mayfield on May 21st, 2009

**Tuesday November 11, 2008–Day of incident**
Outside the main entrance to high school–slashing happened just inside the door in the hallway. (Janine Mayfield)


One of the responders to the incident.
(Janine Mayfield)


Outside of Main Entrance to High School
(Janine Mayfield)

Mallory Haulman was assaulted this morning at Montrose High School around 8:00am. Mallory, a 10th grader, was seriously injured and taken to Montrose Memorial Hospital, where she underwent surgery.

A male juvenile suspect entered the school and attacked Mallory. During this morning’s press conference, police say the attack happened in the hallway with, what is described as, a straight-edged weapon. A number of students witnessed the incident because it happened before the first bell when students were still roaming the halls.

The suspect has never been a Montrose High School student but is from the district. He was in alternative placement rather than in school. Montrose High School was dismissed while other Montrose schools remain open.

MHS principal Jill Myers says the school lockdown procedure worked very effectively and was implemented within about three minutes. She said the Montrose Police Department responded quickly and appropriately. Other agencies responding to the scene of the crime were the Colorado State Patrol, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montrose Fire Department.

School is open for regular session tomorrow. We are honoring the schools request that no students be interviewed regarding today’s incident. There will be an informational meeting tonight at 7:00pm in the Lloyd McMillan Gym. According to Jill Myers, “This will be a time for parents to come together to learn more about today’s incident.”     (Posted 11/11/08)

A male suspect, who is not a student at MHS, was quickly apprehended at N. 3rd Street and Townsend Avenue and is now in custody. The police department has confirmed that the suspect is 14-years-old. The attack happened in the hallway with, what was described as, a straight edge weapon. Because it happened before the first bell, there wee a number of student witnesses. The suspect hs never been a Montrose High School student but is from the district. The suspect was in alternative placement rather that in school.    (Posted 11/11/08)

Montrose High School held an informational meeting for parents, students, and members of the community Tuesday evening in the high school gym. Principal Jill Myers gave a synopsis of what happened and then opened the floor for questions.   (Posted 11/11/08)

Many prayers are going out to Mallory and her family. Grace Community Church in Montrose opened up “The Grove” tonight, a gathering place for teenagers, to regroup. Youth Pastor Jason Gressman is avaliable for the youths of Montrose to talk to and offer prayers and advice. He said if middle school students wish to stop by “The Grove” Wednesday night, they can, and “The Grove” will be open to high school students again Thursday night. To get in touch with Jason, call 209-6072.   (Posted 11/11/08)

**Thursday November 13, 2008**
Montrose High School is continuing with extra security at the school today as well as having counselors available to students and staff. A 14-year-old boy, who did not attend the high school, attacked 17-year-old Mallory Haulman Tuesday morning. The incident is under investigation. Mallory was released from the hospital yesterday and is recovering at home. The boy entered the school before the first bell even rang, allowing for plenty of witnesses to the attack. Its reported that the boy used a straight edge weapon in the assault, but it’s not known at this time what the connection of the boy to the girl is, if any. The police department reports that the boy is being held on an attempted 1st degree murder charge.   (Posted 11/13/08)

In light of recent events pertaining to school safety, its important to remind Coloradoans of the critical importance of the Safe2Tell hotline. As a direct outcome of the Columbine Commission’s Report and the Colorado Trust’s Safe Communities~Safe Schools Initiative, the hotline was created to implement at critical recommendation: to provide an anonymous venue for parents, students, teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement to share information. Research shows that in 81% of violent incidents in U.S. schools, someone other than the attacker knew it was going to happen but failed to report it. Typically the information goes unreported because of fear of being a “snitch,” or that the attacker will then target the informant—thereby creating a “code of silence.” To penetrate this code of silence Safe2Tell was created as a statewide anonymous hotline to accept calls whenever a Colorado youth or concerned adult perceives a threat to their safety or the safety of others. For more information visit safe2tell.org or to report the knowledge of an incident call 877-542-SAFE.   (Posted 11/13/08)

**Friday November 14, 2008**
Breaking news from a highly placed source tells us that a 2nd 14-year-old male has been taken into custody. This juvenile is enrolled into Montrose High School. A motive of the case has yet to be determined. On Tuesday, 17-year-old Mallory Haulman was attacked with a straight-edge weapon before the first class even began. She is at home and recovering. Police caught the first 14-year-old suspect, not a student of MHS, after a short foot chase immediately after the incident. That suspect is being held on attempted first-degree murder charges.    (Posted 11/14/08)

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