October 22, 1999
Web posted at: 9:42 p.m. EDT (0142 GMT)

Nearly a quarter of Columbine High School's 2,000 students stayed home Wednesday after word of a threat spread through the hallways

In this story: Arrested teen was friend of shooters Attendance plummets on anniversary RELATED STORIES, SITES

GOLDEN, Colorado (CNN) -- Wearing leg shackles and green jail garb, a 17-year-old Columbine High School student made a brief court appearance Friday on charges stemming from his alleged threat to "finish the job" started by two teen gunmen who killed 13 people at the school in April.

The teen remains in jail on a $500,000 bond, with another court appearance set for next Friday. Outside of court, his attorney, Robert Grossman, said he will ask that the bond be reduced because the teen isn't a danger to the community.

"I don't think that my client is of any danger to anyone whatsoever," Grossman said. "He obviously feels bad because he did not want himself nor his family to be an attention- getter in any shape or form. And now, he's obviously been cast into the national spotlight."

During the two-minute court appearance, the teen was accompanied by his mother. Asked by the magistrate how he was doing, he replied, "Fine, judge."

He has been suspended from Columbine, pending an expulsion hearing.

Arrested teen was friend of shooters

The teen, whose identity is being withheld because of his age, is charged with inciting destruction of life or property -- a low-level felony -- as well as misdemeanor theft for allegedly stealing a microphone from the school.

He was arrested Tuesday after allegedly making comments around at least one student that he intended to "finish the job" begun by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who opened fire at Columbine on April 20, killing 12 students and a teacher before taking their own lives.

The arrested teen was a friend of Harris and Klebold and shot video footage of the two for an acting class last year in which they dramatized a mock shooting spree.

There is no indication that any other students were involved in the alleged threats. Police have not elaborated on what evidence has been found, although they said a search of the teen's home turned up no weapons.

Ironically, the magistrate presiding over the teen's case, John DeVita, was the same magistrate who presided over a hearing for Klebold and Harris less than two years ago. They appeared in his court after being charged with breaking into a car and stealing items inside.

DeVita ordered the two to undergo violence therapy and do community service work.

Marilyn Saltzman, spokeswoman for Jefferson County Schools, said school officials and students first "started hearing some rumors" on Monday about the possible threats and notified authorities immediately.

Attendance plummets on anniversary

Nearly a quarter of the school's 2,000 students stayed at home Wednesday, which was the six-month anniversary of the shooting rampage, and 15 percent stayed home Thursday. On a typical day, only about 5 percent are absent, Saltzman said.

Following the alleged threat, security at the school was stepped up and parents were notified.

National Correspondent Tony Clark contributed to this report.

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