IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Iron Mountain man faces at least four felonies after police say he made threats to kill his mother and to “be a school shooter.”
Adam Murray, 24, faces one count of terrorism- using a telecommunications device with the intent to commit assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault), a 20-year felony; one count of using a computer to commit a crime- terrorism, a 20-year felony; one count of distributing or promoting child sexually abusive material, a 7-year felony; and one count of using a computer to commit a crime (related to the child sexually abusive material charge), a 4- to 10-year felony.
Murray faces up to 40 years in prison if he’s convicted.
Judge Julie LaCost called Murray’s slew of charges “disturbing on many levels.”
During a court appearance streamed on YouTube Tuesday afternoon, Judge LaCost said Murray is accused of sending threats by cell phone that he was going to “kill his mother” and wanted to “be a school shooter.” The person Murray told is the one who notified police. Murray told the court he is an only child to a single mother, whom he was ordered to cease contact with as part of his bond.
Judge LaCost also said Murray is accused of sending “inappropriate” photos through Snapchat, prompting the child pornography charges.
Murray told the court he is currently living in Iron Mountain and receiving treatment for substance abuse, though he did not further elaborate.
Before deciding on bond, the court was interrupted by a Dickinson County Sheriff’s deputy who requested the judge or prosecutor to call the jail for additional information related to the case. After a brief pause, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Kass said new information was provided about additional threats Murray had made toward local schools. Kass said more charges are expected.
Murray’s bond is set at $1 million cash surety. Judge LaCost said Murray’s charges and admission to receiving treatment for substance abuse played a role in her decision.
Murray is due back in court April 25 at 10 a.m. for a probable cause hearing. A preliminary exam is scheduled for May 2 at 1:30 p.m.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
On April 11th, 2023, the Iron Mountain Police Department received a report from the Green Bay Police Department that an individual who lives in Iron Mountain had made threats online towards schools without naming a school in specific.
IMPD Officers as well as the Command Staff believed the suspect was in his apartment but refused to answer the door. An arrest warrant and search warrant were requested and received from the Dickinson County Prosecutors Office.
At approximately 9 am entry was made into the apartment and the 24-year-old male was taken into custody without incident. The 24-year-old male is currently lodged in the Dickinson County Correctional Center pending arraignment.
Even though it was believed that the subject was contained in his apartment, local school administrators out of an abundance of caution made the decision to initiate a “Soft Lock Down”. The “Soft Lock Down” was removed right after the subject was taken into custody. No particular school was mentioned in the threat.
No further information has been or will be released until after his arraignment. WZMQ will keep you updated as new information becomes available.