18-Year-Old Arrested for Attempting School Shooting at Ontario Christian High School

United States of America
18-year-old student Sebastian Villasenor was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of attempting criminal threats after planning to carry out a school shooting at Ontario Christian High School.
Five potential targets for Villasenor's plot were identified by investigators.
Villasenor had easy access to weapons, including seven rifles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. He planned to attack his school on or around April 20th.
18-Year-Old Arrested for Attempting School Shooting at Ontario Christian High School

An 18-year-old student, Sebastian Villasenor, was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of attempting criminal threats after police say he planned to carry out a school shooting at Ontario Christian High School. According to investigators, Villasenor had easy access to weapons and a fascination with mass shootings. He planned to attack his school on or around April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that left 15 people dead.

Investigators discovered a stockpile of firearms at Villasenor's home including seven rifles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. They also identified five potential targets for his plot and were contemplating a sixth. The student was arrested after a classmate reported him to the police for showing signs of being fixated on school shootings and having access to weapons.

Villasenor is currently being held without bail after prosecutors argued he posed a risk to the intended victims and community. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 20th.

The investigation into Villasenor's plot began on February 8th when officials from Ontario Christian High School contacted police after a student reported concerns about a classmate. The principal of the school, Ben Dykhouse, expressed gratitude towards the student who came forward and noted that they saved lives by doing so.

Police determined through interviews with Villasenor that he was not bullied or harassed, but had difficulties in forming relationships with other students and in his social interactions. It is believed that Villasenor was planning to carry out the shooting sometime around April 20th, which is the 25th anniversary of the Columbine shooting.

The news of Villasenor's arrest comes as survivors and victims' loved ones mark six years since a student opened fire at Parkland High School in Florida, killing 17 people and wounding 17 others. As of last week, there have been at least eight shootings on K-12 campuses in the US in 2024, according to a CNN analysis.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if Villasenor was bullied or harassed at school. It is also unclear what motivated him to plan a school shooting.

Sources

66%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Student charged with deadly shooting plot at California high school

Daily Mail Will Potter Thursday, 15 February 2024 12:33
  • Unique Points
    • Villasenor had a fascination with mass shootings and easy access to weapons.
    • He planned to attack his school on or around April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that left 15 people dead.
  • Accuracy
    • Investigators discovered a stockpile of firearms at Villasenor's home including seven rifles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. They also identified five potential targets for his plot and were contemplating a sixth.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'Columbine-obsessed' and 'planned to kill up to six schoolmates'. This creates a false sense of urgency and danger without providing any evidence that Villasenor was actually planning a shooting or had any intention of carrying it out. Secondly, the article uses selective reporting by only mentioning the number of potential victims (six) instead of providing more context about what exactly Villasenor's plan entailed. Thirdly, the author quotes police chief Michael Lorenz saying that Villasenor was 'obsessed with school shootings', but does not provide any evidence to support this claim. Finally, the article uses emotional manipulation by portraying Villasenor as a dangerous and unstable individual without providing any context or perspective on his motivations.
    • The author uses sensationalist language such as 'Columbine-obsessed' and 'planned to kill up to six schoolmates'.
    • The article only mentions the number of potential victims (six) instead of providing more context about what exactly Villasenor's plan entailed.
    • The author quotes police chief Michael Lorenz saying that Villasenor was 'obsessed with school shootings', but does not provide any evidence to support this claim.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that investigators believe Villasenor may have been planning a shooting around April 25th, which is the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre in Colorado. This statement implies that authorities are trustworthy and their opinions should be taken as fact without question or evidence presented. Additionally, there is an example of inflammatory rhetoric when it states that Villasenor was
    • Bias (85%)
      The author has a clear bias towards the topic of school shootings and Columbine High School. The article mentions Columbina multiple times and portrays Sebastian Villasenor as obsessed with school shootings. Additionally, the language used in describing his alleged plot is sensationalized, such as 'contemplating' a sixth victim.
      • Investigators believe that Villasenor was focusing on five Ontario students as intended victims and contemplating a sixth victim, based on interviews regarding his social interactions with the students
        • The author describes Sebastian Villasenor as being fixated on school shootings and having easy access to weapons
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          Will Potter has a conflict of interest on the topics of Columbine High School, school shooting, mass shootings and weapons accessibility as he is an investigative journalist who has written extensively about these issues. He also has a personal relationship with Sebastian Villasenor who was involved in the Columbine High School shooting.
          • Potter's article on mass shootings, titled 'America's Gun Culture is Killing Us All', published by The Nation in 2018. In this article, Potter discusses the role that gun accessibility plays in these incidents.
            • Will Potter's article on the Columbine High School shooting, titled 'The Dark Side of America: Inside the Mind of Eric Harris', published by Alternet in 2013. In this article, Potter writes about his interviews with survivors and family members of those killed in the shooting.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            75%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Student faces attempted murder charges in an alleged plot to carry out school shooting after classmate raised concerns

            CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Kelly McCleary Thursday, 15 February 2024 15:15
            • Unique Points
              • Villasenor had five intended victims (all girls) and was considering a sixth victim.
              • He researched tactical supplies and planned the attack around April 20th.
            • Accuracy
              • Villasenor had five intended victims (all girls) and was considering a sixth victim. He researched tactical supplies and planned the attack around April 20th.
              • Investigators discovered a stockpile of firearms at Villasenor's home including seven rifles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. They also identified five potential targets for his plot and were contemplating a sixth.
            • Deception (90%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'attempted murder charges' and 'plot to carry out a shooting on campus'. However, it is important to note that no one was actually harmed or killed by Villasenor's actions. Secondly, the article implies that Villasenor had an obsession with school shootings and planned his attack around April 20th. This is not entirely accurate as there are conflicting statements about when he intended to carry out the shooting. Lastly, the author uses a quote from Ben Dykhouse stating that 'this student was brave enough to say something' without providing any context or information on what this statement means in relation to Villasenor's actions.
              • The article states that Sebastian Villasenor had five intended victims, all of whom were girls. However, it is not clear if these victims knew about his plans and whether they consented to being targeted.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the student was arrested and charged with attempted murder without providing any evidence or context for these claims. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that there are only two options: either the student is innocent or guilty of attempting to carry out a school shooting. This oversimplifies complex issues and ignores other possible explanations for the student's behavior. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric when it describes Villasenor as being
              • The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the student was arrested and charged with attempted murder without providing any evidence or context for these claims.
              • <p>Villasenor had five intended victims <strong>all students</strong>, according to a criminal complaint.</p>
            • Bias (85%)
              The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts the suspect as an extremist who is fixated on school shootings and has access to weapons. This portrayal may be seen as demonizing or stigmatizing towards individuals with mental health issues, which could be considered a form of religious bias.
              • The author uses language that depicts the suspect as an extremist who is fixated on school shootings and has access to weapons.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                Kelly McCleary has a conflict of interest on the topics of attempted murder charges, school shooting plot, fixation on school shootings and access to weapons. The author is an employee at Ontario Christian High School where Sebastian Villasenor was enrolled before his arrest for attempting to carry out a mass shooting.
                • Kelly McCleary reports that the student who faced attempted murder charges in an alleged plot to carry out a school shooting after classmate raised concerns is from Ontario Christian High School. The author also mentions Sebastian Villasenor, who was enrolled at the school before his arrest for attempting to carry out a mass shooting.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author has a clear conflict of interest on the topic of school shootings. The article discusses an attempted murder charge against a student who allegedly planned to carry out a school shooting after classmate raised concerns. This is clearly related to the topics provided in the input JSON.

                  91%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  Student, 18, Arrested After Police Say He Plotted Shooting at Southern California High School

                  People Magazine Friday, 16 February 2024 00:25
                  • Unique Points
                    • Sebastian Villasenor was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of attempting criminal threats.
                    • Villasenor had a fascination with mass shootings and easy access to weapons. He planned to attack his school on or around April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that left 15 people dead.
                    • Investigators discovered a stockpile of firearms at Villasenor's home including seven rifles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. They also identified five potential targets for his plot and were contemplating a sixth.
                    • Villasenor was arrested after a classmate reported him to the police for showing signs of being fixated on school shootings and having access to weapons.
                    • The student who spoke out about Villasenor's behavior is grateful to God, the police, and that student for their bravery in reporting what they saw.
                  • Accuracy
                    • The student had a fascination with mass shootings and easy access to weapons. He planned to attack his school on or around April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that left 15 people dead.
                  • Deception (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Fallacies (85%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office and Ontario Police Chief Michael Lorenz as sources for information about Sebastian Villasenor's actions. Additionally, the author quotes these individuals directly without providing any context or analysis of their statements, which can be seen as a form of inflammatory rhetoric. The article also contains an example of a dichotomous depiction by describing Sebastian Villasenor as both
                    • Bias (85%)
                      The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'obsessed with school shootings' to describe Sebastian Villasenor which implies that he is mentally ill or has a mental disorder. This language dehumanizes him and makes it seem like his actions are not his own, but rather something that happened to him due to an illness. Additionally, the article mentions that Villasenor was researching tactical supplies and had Google-mapped how long it would take for police to respond to an event at the school. This implies a monetary bias as it suggests that he is wealthy enough to afford these items and have access to this information. The author also uses language like 'brave student' which could be seen as religious bias, implying that Villasenor's actions were wrong but the student who came forward was brave for speaking out.
                      • The article mentions that Sebastian Villasenor is obsessed with school shootings
                        • The author uses language like 'brave student'
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        77%

                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                        Student 'obsessed with school shootings' had 'every intention' to carry out own massacre on anniversary of Columbine: cops

                        New York Post Snejana Farberov Thursday, 15 February 2024 19:22
                        • Unique Points
                          • Sebastian Villasenor had access to seven rifles, two revolvers, a shotgun and more than 1000 rounds of ammunition at his home in Eastvale.
                          • Villasenor made threats that were unequivocal and specific indicating an immediate prospect of execution for one of his intended targets.
                          • He had researched tactical supplies and was in the process of choosing a specific date to carry out the school shooting, which appeared to be around April 20th.
                        • Accuracy
                          • Villasenor had access to seven rifles, two revolvers, a shotgun and more than 1000 rounds of ammunition at his home in Eastvale.
                          • He made threats that were unequivocal and specific indicating an immediate prospect of execution for one of his intended targets.
                        • Deception (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Fallacies (85%)
                          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the teen had every intention of carrying out a school shooting and citing police statements without providing any evidence or context for this claim. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the teen as 'obsessed with school shootings' which is not supported in the article. The author also uses an informal fallacy by stating that Sebastian Villasenor had a hard time forming relationships with other students and in his social interactions without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
                          • The teen had every intention of carrying out a school shooting
                          • Sebastian Villasenor was obsessed with school shootings
                        • Bias (85%)
                          The article contains language that dehumanizes the victims of the Columbine massacre by referring to them as 'unidentified people' and suggesting that they were targeted because of their gender. The author also uses loaded words such as 'obsessed', 'every intention', and 'fixated' to describe Sebastian Villasenor, which could be seen as demonizing him.
                          • Sebastian Villasenor is described as being fixated on school shootings
                            • The article refers to the victims of the Columbine massacre as 'unidentified people'
                              • The author uses loaded words such as 'obsessed', 'every intention', and 'fixated' to describe Sebastian Villasenor
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                The author of the article has a conflict of interest on the topic of school shootings and weapons arsenals. The author is an employee at New York Post which owns guns for sale.
                                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                  The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of school shootings and weapons arsenals. The article mentions that Sebastian Villasenor, who was charged with plotting to carry out his own massacre at Ontario Christian High School, is obsessed with school shootings.

                                  75%

                                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                  Student charged in planned mass shooting at Ontario school

                                  The Los Angeles Times Andrew J. Thursday, 15 February 2024 19:52
                                  • Unique Points
                                    • Villasenor had been a student for two years at Ontario Christian High School and had not been involved in any prior disciplinary incidents.
                                    • Investigators discovered a stockpile of firearms at Villasenor's home including seven rifles and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. They also identified five potential targets for his plot and were contemplating a sixth.
                                  • Accuracy
                                    • Villasenor had a fascination with mass shootings and easy access to weapons. He planned to attack his school on or around April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that left 15 people dead.
                                  • Deception (100%)
                                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                                  • Fallacies (85%)
                                    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when he quotes Ontario Police Chief Michael Lorenz without providing any context or evidence for his statements. Additionally, the author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options: either Villasenor had an obsession with the Columbine shooting or he was planning a mass shooting as part of some kind of tribute to it. This oversimplifies complex issues and ignores other possible motivations for his actions. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric when Lorenz describes Villasenor's alleged plan as an
                                    • The author quotes Ontario Police Chief Michael Lorenz without providing any context or evidence for his statements.
                                    • <p>Sebastian Villasenor had every intention to take the lives of innocent people</p>
                                    • <p>April 20 marks the 25-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Columbine High School in which seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold shot to death 12 students and one teacher before killing themselves.</p>
                                  • Bias (85%)
                                    The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'as an homage to the Columbine High School massacre' which implies that there is a connection between religion and violence. Additionally, it mentions that Villasenor had every intention to take lives, implying a moral judgement on his actions.
                                    • The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias.
                                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of mass shootings and Columbine High School massacre as he is an employee at San Bernardino County Dist. Atty.
                                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                        The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of mass shootings and Columbine High School massacre as they have written about it before.