The Gaul of Some People Who Speak to Parents of Murdered Children

****An email I penned to a Mrs Haas in MD Governor O'Malley's office in 2011 pursuant to the murder and [sweeping under the rug] of 25 [TWENTY FIVE] human lives in Prince George's County MD. I attached the letter UMd's authors of Justin's wonderful legacy Award to apprise any of you who are not familiar with what this award can do for out-of-state students who truly wish to make a difference through research!

NO I was NOT nice to the Governor's office as they were NOT nice to the family's or VICTIMS who were VIOLENTLY murdered.

March 17, 2011

Dear Ms. Haas;

I appreciate your prompt response to my letter regarding the unconscionable treatment received by my only child and son, Justin DeSha-Overcash, at the hands of the Prince George's County Police Press Department after being fatally wounded in his home. Although I can understand no one wishes to think (god forbid) the police make mistakes or 'jump the gun' (so to speak); I beg to differ. Colonel Davis' actions shortly after my son's heinous MURDER have all the ear markings of using Justin as a scapegoat. During Colonel Davis' mud slinging speech in front of the media, to calm the fear of the residents of Prince George's County, he slandered my son and I have no intention of allowing this miscarriage of justice to be 'laid upon my son's back'. As naive as I can be even I have the ability to recognize an outrageously callous use of police propaganda. Justin was the ELEVENTH murder in first ELEVEN days of January; this should have been my son's most phenomenal year as he was to graduate this May. Why did the PG County Police take it upon themselves not to notify the UMD Campus Police of the sudden rise in violent crimes so the UMDCP could pass this urgent life saving information onto the students, staff and faculty? (You know and I know why they did not notify anyone!)

I shared with Pauline Mandel my participation in grief counseling in confidence and I will definitely take this up with Mrs. Mandel. For the record I am seeking counseling because I lost my son and our Nation lost a brilliant scientist; I am well aware the PG County Police used my son and no amount of counseling will change this reality. What I and everyone else heard, saw and read on January 11, 2011 coming out of Colonel Davis' mouth pursuant to my son's lifestyle was incredulously incompetent. Might I suggest Colonel Davis of the Prince George's County Police Press Department seek counseling or better yet a course in Ethics?

Not one person (American Citizen) to whom I have spoken believes the PG County Police Department has done justice to any of the 25 (Twenty Five) murder victims in the first three months of 2011. Not only have I been advocating for my son I am standing steadfast for all 25 (Twenty Five) PG County murder victims who were treated as if they deserved to die. I will continue my campaign in pursuit of justice for my son as well as all violent crime victims of PG County to the fullest extent of my abilities; with or without assistance from authorities who could make a difference.

Below I am including a letter written by the University of Maryland and emailed to their data base today regarding my son, Justin DeSha-Overcash, possibly you will then understand my involvement and commitment for the 'long-haul'. Thank you for your time, and by the way, one person can make a difference. Justin certainly made a wondrous and selfless difference in a mere twenty two years.

Regards,

Karen L. DeSha
Proud TERP mother of Justin Vance DeSha-Overcash
828-505-1264

P. S. I raised Justin to believe he should trust police and our political figures; I remember explaining to him "they are there to protect and serve". How was I to know I was lying to Justin; we were middle class and had never had any involvement with the legal system.

FROM: The University of Maryland College Park MD
March 17, 2011

Dear friend,

Early in 2011 the University of Maryland lost a very special student, Justin DeSha-Overcash. Justin was a remarkable young man who had a passion for learning and teaching. As a physics and astronomy double major, Justin carried a full course load to prepare himself for a scientific career and often spoke of graduate school to continue his education and his love of research. In his sophomore year Justin added geophysics as a minor and began working with Professor Hier-Majumder on research regarding the Earth's core-mantle boundary. Justin's contributions to this research were displayed at the 2010 fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union, attended by 16,000 researchers and his success further deepened his commitment to pursue a graduate degree in this field. Justin was an active member of the Society of Physics Student, the Maryland Astronomy Observatory and a tutor to Maryland Student-Athletes. The loss of this wonderful, engaging and giving student is felt all over our campus.

Justin’s experience was the essence of the undergraduate experience; learning about one's self both inside and outside the classroom, discovering a world of opportunities in new fields and contributing to groundbreaking research in a hands-on and significant manner. Unfortunately Justin’s journey was cut short, but the opportunity to ensure that other students are able to participate in research and make discoveries about our world and themselves is very much alive.

With your help we would like to establish the Justin DeSha-Overcash Summer Research Award to assist undergraduate students eager to pursue research opportunities and explore a world of possibilities. This research award will honor the memory of Justin by providing an out of state student who is financially needy a stipend to conduct summer research here at Maryland. Such an award not only recognizes Justin’s work and the important value he placed on research, but would significantly assist a student who is struggling to pay bills for housing, food and tuition.

As an out of state student Justin was heavily impacted by the high price of higher education and living expenses. He worked as many as four jobs during a semester to pay his tuition. It is our hope that this award will allow a student to stay at Maryland to conduct research that he or she is genuinely interested in rather than be forced to take a job that simply pays the bills.

Please use the enclosed envelope to make your gift and honor Justin and support the dreams of future scientists. Checks can be made payable to The University of Maryland College Park Foundation (UMCPF) with a memo line designating the gift to the Justin DeSha-Overcash Award. Donations may also be made online at https://advancement.umd.edu/giving/ and searching for “Overcash” and following the links.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this award please contact Lawrence Liff at 301-405-1082 or lliff@umd.edu .

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Saswata Hier-Majumder
Geology Department

Elizabeth Warner
UMD Obs.Coordinator

"The measure of life..."

Honey on January 16, 2011 as I slid across the seat of the funeral home limo, heading to the cemetery on that horrible day, something caught my eye and took me by complete surprise....the "key to your heart charm" fell from my bracelet onto my lap. This key would be the first of many gifts you have sent me since you left to go home. I wish you had not had to leave me here alone; while you were here with me life was so joyous and magically wondrous and always filled with love and laughter. 

With deep and profound thoughts of you, Justin, on this day [September 11, 2013] marking two years and seven months since you went Home. I cannot help but wonder how much more honey you could have accomplished in this time now gone. Would you have the job of your dreams, would you have met your soul mate, would you be making wedding plans or would you already be wed as we awaited your first born child, would you still be composing wondrous music, would you still be......aw honey I can only dream about you and what your life could have become.

"The measure of a life is dependent on how far you will go each day to become a better person. How many people you treat with kindness and how much closer you get to learning how to forgive both yourself and others." ~Unknown

Your leaving created a hole in my heart that grows larger with each passing day. I miss you today [like I do every day]. Your leaving has created a hole in my heart that grows larger with each passing day. I love you Justin [unconditionally] from the very depths of my soul. 

I am and will be throughout eternity your devoted momma  

Justin DeSha-Overcash on the left with a fellow alumni of the University of Maryland [College Park] Observatory.

A momma's view on societies ignorance!

When I woke this morning I began to realize why I am experiencing such emotional turmoil; school is starting. Yes, another school year is beginning. I did not have the opportunity to see Justin outside of his comfort zone of academia. I never had the opportunity to see Justin walk the stage to receive his [hard earned] and well-deserved diplomas. Justin was awarded his college diploma posthumously. As I have from the time Justin entered kindergarten I will, every fall, ready my son for another school year.

Justin had confided in me during his junior year in college, "momma I really wanted to have a career in Astronomy but they do not make any money." Sadly this world, along with social pressures, breaks so many hearts. With all of his knowledge, and his years of hard work, Justin realized he would be forced to choose a position to make 'money' [so he could LIVE] over being able to choose what his heart desired. Money held no meaning for Justin he simply wanted to pursue his scholastic dreams; as do so many young adults. But we live in a time of [everything costs TOO much] and Justin like so many [in his shoes] felt pressured to conform as a means to an end; he understood all too well that he would have to choose a degree which would afford him a life in our OVERPRICED world. Justin has a degree in Astronomy and DOES NOT need any money. Thank you society from the bottom of my heart! [yes this is disgust and rhetoric on my part.]

I am the only person in [my particular place] I [and only I] understand [exactly] what my 'driving force' is and this force has driven me my entire life. I cannot purport to know what drives others I know only what drives me. I do not speculate on what drives others as this would be an impossible [waste of time]. I make no apologies for an inner driving force that kept me grounded as a teen, young adult and adult; then everything was turned upside down on January 11, 2011 at 4:27 PM when the sheriff's knocked on my door.....

Evil entered Justin's life that day and everything I thought was truth, everything I "believed in" as a human being, adult and American citizen I found to be UNTRUE. Am I angry, sometimes, mostly at myself for not being there to protect Justin, for not knowing the depth to which people will go to protect their own asses. I am Justin's momma I had always protected him from harm. I sit for hours thinking I [should have] told Justin about guns. Why for GOD'S sake would I attempt to discuss a topic with Justin about which I know nothing? We both fight with words; not guns or fists. I [should have] told Justin about [evil]. How could I share information about a topic which I had never encountered? I look for the 'good' in everyone; as did Justin. I [should have]........

Those, of you, who have known me for decades, years or even months know I am Karen DeSha, Justin DeSha-Overcash's momma, I say what I think; I always have and I always will. This senseless and horrid tragedy that took Justin in such an unbelievable manner blind sided me and took my life source knocking me to my knees and this is alright, too. I will stay on my knees until I am able to stand; and if I cannot stand again this too, is alright. I cannot [and will not] apologize for having a heart filled with strength and passion for those I love. I am who I am; but now I am broken. It happens....move on, closure, times heals, everything will get better in time???....NONE of these words mean anything to me and bring me no solace; this too is alright. I have never been one to buckle under social pressures and I am sure not going to start now. As I always have I will continue to live my life my way and if I grieve for Justin and 'pine' for his presence for the remainder of my life this is my business and my business alone.

There is no cure or medication for grief and bereavement; if you have not lost a child [and believe me when I say I hope you have not and never will] please allow me to live each day, step by step, tear by tear, in my own way; this is my path to walk unhindered by others thoughts or words. God bless and keep each of you....I am [and remain] Justin's momma [Love you my star gazer.]

My beautiful son on the left; with a towel on his head [?] which reminds me of a court jester of old

!

Medically Misdiagnosed AGAIN!!!!

 

August 9, 2013

Karen L. DeSha

RE: Pursuant to my Park Ridge Hospital ER visit on August 8, 2013 seeking treatment for chronic symptoms associated with Tick bites.

Dear Hospital Administrator;

In speaking to the Park Ridge Infectious Disease office on Thursday August 8, 2013 it was their medical opinion that due to the severity of my symptoms I should go to the ER immediately. Their hope was that if I went to the Park Ridge ER I could be admitted for intense testing in an attempt to resolve a two year, and one month old, physically debilitating nightmare.

A 'young' ER P.A. approached the door of the room in which I had been placed, never even placing one foot over the threshold, he asked, “Have you been in the north?” I replied, “no.” He replied, “Then you do not have Lyme it is only in the North.” Continuing on, this 'young' P.A. informed my mother and I that he knows everything about Lyme because he is a native of Pennsylvania. This is indeed an exceptional 'young' PA; that he can diagnose a patient and assess they do not have Lyme Disease by looking at them [from outside the room] and asking a location query to ascertain said diagnosis is truly a remarkable gift! **[male P.A., dressed in navy blue scrubs, sand blond hair, orthodontic braces on his teeth, from Pennsylvania]. I will not forget, but I will forgive, his sneering glare. In an attempt [on my part] to walk toward him so he could see that I was in excruciating pain. I collapsed to floor because I am so physically weak. Instead of doing what any medical staff would have done he said, “Well, that was drama.” ; NO he did not assist me in returning to a standing position or even offer. This 'young' P.A. walked away without a word and my 80 year old mother had to assist me from the floor back to the chair!

North Carolina is [and has been for decades] a retirement area, and vacation haven, for Northerns who, unknowingly, transport Lyme diseased ticks to our home state. How do I know this to be fact; I am a thirty year licensed NC real estate Land Agent. I have walked NC wooded lots [from ¼ acre to 8 acres for thirty years]! This is not my first encounter with TICKS, or chiggers, or spiders, or snakes, or deer, or any other indigenous species of four legged wildlife in NC. This is also not my first encounter with the CDC; the CDC diagnosed me in 1997 with 'Tick Fever'; adding I have a heightened sensitivity the bite [saliva] of ticks. The CDC determined my heightened sensitivity is more than likely due to having been bitten more times, by ticks, than I can recall.

*****Diagnosed Lyme Cases in North Carolina for 2012 is 127. Lyme Disease is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnosis because patients exhibit so many different symptoms.

The 'young' P.A. spoke to my mother and I as if we were imbecilic hillbillies; I am old enough to be this child's mother and my mother is old enough to be his grandmother. He treated us disrespectfully, unprofessionally, condescendingly, immaturely, uncaring and like many northern transplants [down right RUDE.] I would seriously suggest he read a book, or possibly four, on “How to Develop and Strengthen Social Skills and Use Them In the Workplace” to assist him in dealing with the public; I will be more than happy to recommend a few titles.

Please enlighten and educate this 'young' P.A.; I have enclosed, for his reading pleasure, CDC statistics from 2002 through 2012 and articles about Lyme Disease in the South. This documentation completely contradicts this 'young' P.A.'s knowledge of Lyme Disease and where one can [and cannot] contract this horribly debilitating disease. Hopefully this critically and most pertinent information will allow this 'young' P.A. to understand LYME Disease is a scourge in the entirety of North America; including the Southern States [and oh my God North Carolina, in fact, IS on the list]!

Many Northerns do not know how to speak to Southerners or how to treat us; how do I know this to be truth? I am a native of North Carolina born in St Joseph's Hospital; I was a resident of Maryland from 1974 through 1989 and also a resident of Pennsylvania from 2002 through 2007.

***The biggest obstacle my former husband encountered, during our 2002 – 2007 PA transfer, was having to train all of the inside [telephone] sales personnel [all PA natives] how to speak to and treat Southerners!

After the bizarre encounter with the 'young' PA my mother and I decided to leave; we were walking out of the doorway when the 'young' PA returned with a doctor. The PA never acknowledged my mother nor me and quickly walked down the hallway. He gave NO apology for his unconscionable behavior and treatment of an ill patient. The doctor called to us to wait; my initial meeting with Dr. Howard, III. He asked if we could go back to the room sit down and talk. We returned to the room, he closed the door, sat down and actually talked with me about everything I have been through in an attempt to find a correct diagnosis. I told Dr. Howard, III I was just going to go home; my mother immediately said, “No you are not going home until we know what is wrong.” Dr. Howard, III got up and gently hugged my mom and said, “Thanks mom!”

I did not meet Dr. Howard, III until 45 minutes prior to his 13 hour shift ending; I should have come to the ER sooner. I was at home wasting valuable time in an attempt to convince myself [for the one millionth time over the past two years] “this” is all in my head. Yes, it is in my head the pain in my cranium generates down the entire left side of my body; difficulty for medical personnel to detect a pulse in my left wrist, numbness, tingling, loss of blood flow, a sense [as if something] is crawling on my left leg, I cannot raise my left leg, nor my left arm, the lymph node behind my ear is [and has been] swollen [including while I have been taking Doxycycline for six weeks], I am becoming weaker and exhibiting new symptoms that now accompany symptoms I have had since mid-June 2011. I have four Doxycycline pills remaining from a 30 day treatment yet my symptoms are worsening.

The end result. Dr. David Rollins came on shift and spoke with me pursuant to a discussion with Dr. Howard, III, before he left the hospital. Dr. Rollins asked me to fill him in with more details. By the time of our meeting I was so exhausted I had difficulty expressing myself; let alone in detail. These are the events that I recall, with clarity, when Dr. Rollins took over my patient file:

1. Dr. Rollins communicated to me that it is not possible that I have had Lyme since 2011; even though my symptoms have remained the same and as of Monday [07/2013] I have begun to experience new symptoms~drooping of my left eye, left facial twitching, excruciating cranial pain and severe neurological problems. **There are hundreds of documented cases of Lyme Disease being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed in patients from months to decades.
2. ***Dr. Rollins' added that I have not been having seizures so I do not have Lyme. Wouldn't it be wonderful, for everyone working in the medical field and patients, too, if every patient FIT the profile symptoms for every disease known today? Well patients don't always fit the profile; ergo, they suffer long term side effects from undiagnosed illnesses and sometimes they die.
3. My diagnosis? Dr. Rollins' said [quote un quote] “Nothing is making sense. So go to your appointment with Park Ridge Infectious Disease on August 20th.” Yes that was my diagnosis word for word; he added, “I know you're angry with me.” I replied, “No I do not get angry I guess you have done all you can do. So get a nurse to remove the IV and discharge me so I can go home.” I stated this sentence twice; because Dr. Rollins' [I believe] was concerned but on the ER floor he did not have the time to work with me. Yet Dr. Rollins insisted I could not possibly have Lyme because I have not had a seizure [?]. Needless to say my mother is very upset that her only daughter was sent home with a diagnosis of, “Nothing is making sense.”
4. I may or may not have Lyme; however, the reality is I am extremely ILL and conclusive testing sometimes takes several attempts; all I was asking for was HELP.

I am NOT saying Dr. Rollins' is not a kind and caring ER physician but not every patient fits “the profile” symptoms thus causing many to suffer with lengthy illnesses until a doctor really [looks, listens, actually comprehends and is curious why a normally healthy person is suffering so]. I understand this takes time, too much time for an ER doctor who is dealing with patients 'coding'. It is only my opinion but my mother and I both feel Dr. Rollins should have followed through with Dr. Howard, III's decision to admit me.

I came to Park Ridge because I was treated in this hospital in 1991 and remembered the kind care and the doctors patience and medical expertise. I guess a lot has changed in twenty one years; although, I would have thought the medical treatment and caring of patients, seeking help, would have remained the same! I remain undiagnosed and unable to care for myself or perform daily house hold tasks. I will be seeing the Park Ridge ICD doctor on August 20, 2013 at 10 AM; until this date I have no idea what to do other than lay in my bed in excruciating pain.

It is my opinion the PA should hand write apology notes to my mother and me. In America's economic struggle I wish no one to loose their job. But I do expect a person WHO HAS A JOB [in whatever industry they have chosen] to perform their job description to the highest standards; they are the faces that represent your hospital's reputation.

Please express my thanks to Dr. Howard for his concern and decisiveness, Dr. Rollins for trying to understand and deal with my lengthy list of symptoms when he [really] needed to be with more seriously ill patients. I graciously thank the attending nurse, she is wonderful [a real 'mover and shaker']. Your hospital must be proud to have medical personnel of this caliber in your ER.

Thanking you for your time and consideration.

Karen L. DeSha

Forget Zimmermann~Have You Read of Marissa Alexander?

Just when I thought things in FL could NOT get any stranger; a women is spending 20 years in prison for standing her ground, in her home for shooting a bullet into a WALL??????????  What is GOING ON IN FLORIDA?

This Nation's judicial system is UNCONSCIONABLY LACKING IN ETHICS, MORALS, COMMON SENSE AND IS THE LARGEST EXAMPLE OF DEFINING [OXY-MORON] I HAVE FOUND TO DATE! 

http://news.yahoo.com/zimmerman-trial-turns-spotlight-another-florida-self-defense-005758230.html

For those crying out [poor, pitiful Zimmermann] the above link is to an article pursuant to a woman currently incarcerated on charges vaguely similiar to Zimmerman's case.  ALTHOUGH, Zimmermann was released after chasing and murdering TRAYVON MARTIN in COLD BLOOD and SHE is INCARCERATED for firing a warning shot into A WALL!  This MUST stop!  

If this article [regarding the circumstances of this woman's plight] does not infuriate you; I have no idea what it would take.  Everyone MUST become as involved as the thousands of us who have lost our loved ones to acts of VIOLENT CRIMES.

PLEASE STAND UP AND SPEAK UP!  Someone must stand up and say something. {Karen DeSha April 24, 2013 Congressional Hearing on Rights for VICTIMS.}

Justin's [pissed off please GET INVOLVED] momma chiming in....

Time Does Not Heal a Mother's Heart

Yesterday July 11, 2013 marked two years and six months since Justin went home. My physical pain, my grief, my sorrow, my bereavement, my inexpressible need to hold my child in my arms is NOT lessened. I have no inclination why [anyone] would even think, let alone speak words, pursuant to my pain lessening over time. JUSTIN IS MY CHILD; not my pet, not my wallet, not a tangible piece of memorabilia......JUSTIN was to be my Family's LEGACY. He would have married and produced children to carry on his legacy. So for those who believe I can [or anyone can] in any way recover; I pray this horrible nightmare NEVER happen to your child. Just TRY to put yourself in the shoes of PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN. I remain Justin's loving, pained, walking dead momma. I love you my beautiful son from now throughout eternity.

Justin on the left and [a great friend] Jesse Wimert on the right; Halloween 2009; better times!

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE ~ Murderers Released; People Jailed for FREEDOM of SPEECH

Below I have copied and pasted an article that [blew me away]!  

Someone {ANYONE} please explain WHY DO murderers WALK FREE in America YET this young man sits in jail for months WHILE HIS [RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH] is continuing to be VIOLATED!! 

OMG! Have people gone 'mad'?? I freaking give up...Justin's [I have to be living in the  Twilight Zone] momma 

Ya'll be careful what ya'll say, or think, or do...as predicted; BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!!!! 


The Christian Science
Monitor Weekly Digital Edition

Did Justin Carter make a threat, or a sarcastic joke? That’s the question in the case of the New Braunfels, Texas, teenager arrested for a comment posted on Facebook that’s generating national attention.

Mr. Carter was arrested several months ago on a third-degree felony charge of making a “terroristic threat.” According to court documents, police allege that he posted, “I’m [expletive] in the head alright. I’ma shoot up a kindergarten/ And watch the blood of the innocent rain down/ And eat the beating heart of one of them.”

According to Carter’s family and lawyer, the comment was a sarcastic response to a comment by another Facebook poster. He was 18 at the time, and “this was banter by kids on the Internet…. He’s a gamer…. He never intended to threaten anyone, he wasn’t serious,” says Donald Flanary, a defense attorney who recently took up the case on a pro bono basis.

 

A tip routed to a regional intelligence center led to Carter’s arrest, Mr. Flanary says. “I can see how law enforcement can be sensitive to those kinds of comments, and I’m glad that there’s a system to catch it,” he adds. But for Carter to be jailed for months based on Facebook comments taken out of context, with bail set at $500,000 – about five times higher than many murder cases – is an injustice, he says.

This isn’t the first time a teen Facebook post has led to charges of making threats. In Massachusetts this spring, an 18-year-old was arrested for a comment referring to bombing and murder, but a grand jury determined it was in the context of rap lyrics he was writing rather than a genuine threat.
There’s no widespread trend of such cases, “but even a handful of cases where Americans lose their liberty for intemperate postings should get our attention,” says Ken Paulson, president of the First Amendment Center at the Newseum in Washington and dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. “There are safeguards that should lead to a critical analysis of provocative speech,” he says.

In Carter’s case, Mr. Paulson says, it seems like “the entire [legal] system has overreacted to this post.”

It’s also one example of the myriad ways people are stumbling into trouble for behavior that has a wider audience on the Internet but would never get people into trouble back in the day when trash-talking simply took place in the living room as people played a violent video game, or when drunkenness was witnessed only by a few friends at a party.

Societally, people may want to steer fellow citizens away from using violent imagery in their online comments, but when it comes to police involvement, “it’s critical that we ensure their constitutional rights are protected, and free speech is at the core of that,” Paulson says.

A hearing to reconsider Carter’s bail is set for July 16.

Carter’s father tells NPR that his son has been traumatized in jail – seriously assaulted and put in solitary confinement because he’s been depressed. Attorney Flanary says that Carter could eventually pursue a federal civil rights lawsuit for being wrongfully arrested and detained.

The legal process has failed at several points along the way, Flanary says. Carter was arrested before police confirmed that the Facebook post genuinely came from his computer – a step that’s usually routine before even suspected child pornographers are arrested, he says. Police searched his house and found no guns or other threatening material. And it appears that they didn’t look at the context of the Facebook post before arresting him.

Flanary says that prosecutors have since subpoenaed that information from Facebook but haven’t produced anything along those lines yet.

Flanary also says the small screenshot originally sent by the tipster includes a negative comment against Carter, and that context was not included in the arrest warrant and indictment materials.
Context is important because if Carter’s post was provoked by another’s comment and was followed up by an acronym such as JK – for “just kidding” – as his father has said in an interview with National Public Radio -- then on the face of it, it would clearly not be a threat, Paulson of the First Amendment Center says.

Flanary speculates that one reason Carter has been jailed is that “no individual agency wants to be the one that says, ‘It’s not a threat, let it go,’ because then if something happens … they have to explain why they didn’t do more.”

Comal County (Texas) District Attorney Jennifer Tharp would not comment on the details of a pending case but said in a press release that the charge carries a potential penalty of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A defendant never previously convicted of a felony may be eligible for “deferred adjudication community supervision,” which, if served successfully, would not result in a criminal record.

Ever since the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999, many states have bolstered laws to make it clear that threats against schools will be taken seriously and prosecuted, says Ronald Stephens, executive director of the National School Safety Center in Westlake Village, Calif. Indeed, tips from students about suspicious statements by their peers have prevented school attacks in recent years.

But threat assessment teams that include educators, law enforcement, and mental health experts should be in place to determine when someone’s comments or actions constitute a real threat, Mr. Stephens says.

“We rely on those enforcing the laws to use good, solid, fair, consistent judgment, and that seems to be the question in this [Carter] case – whether it’s been fair and reasonable,” Stephens says. If prosecutors can’t at some point “produce their threat assessment process, they’ve got a real problem,” he says.