Probation for Mom in Child's Threat Case
By Marion Callahan, Staff Writer
A Northampton mom was sentenced to two years of probation for child endangerment and possession of marijuana months after her 14-year-old son threatened an “end of the world” attack at Council Rock South High School.
Lizabeth Donohoe, 52, was arrested shortly after the incident at the 2,000-student high school on December 21. Officials canceled classes after students reported that Dylan Donohoe had talked about plans to kill his parents and then “shoot up” the school because it was the end of the world, referring to the end of the Mayan calendar.
“I’m very sorry for the entire situation,” Donohoe said to County Judge Monday morning. “I’m not proud of what happened with my son or myself. I know through my faults and tribulations that I did not handle them the way that I should have.”
Donohoe’s attorney, Louis Busico, said she had nothing to do with the closing of Council Rock South High School.
“She is a wonderful woman who is a single mom who struggled mightily to provide a loving and good life for her son,” Busico said. “It was a horrible, unfortunate incident that in any way, shape, or form was caused by her.”
After officers reported the threat, police officers went to the Donohoe home to speak to Dylan and found two World War II-era semi-automatic guns in his room. The guns were later tested and found to be operational.
Earlier this year, prosecutors dropped a felony charge of delivering a weapon to a minor against Donohoe. The guns were family heirlooms and Donohoe had testified that she did not know they were operational.
“They were sentimental,” Busico said. “We don’t want the court to think she was stockpiling.”
Police also found more than 32 ounces of marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia in the house.
As a condition of her sentence, Donohoe is banned from possessing any firearms. The seized guns, which had belonged to Dylan’s grandfather, will be given to another family member.
Judge Albert Cepparulo acknowledged that Donohoe has been through months of intensive in-and-out-patient mental health and alcohol and drug treatment and commended her for continuing to seek help.
Dylan Donohoe will continue to receive counseling and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. He is also required to stay away from any decision-making process involving school safety.
“Ultimately, he will be held criminally responsible in some way for his role and the trauma and disruption he caused when he brought those thoughts to school,” Bucks County Juvenile Probation Chief Robert Stanzione said at the time of his hearing.
Juvenile court officials said they expect Dylan will spend 12 to 18 months in treatment.
Prosecutor Matt Weintraub said he was pleased with Monday’s sentence. “Ultimately, he will be held criminally responsible in some way for his role and the trauma and disruption he caused when he brought those thoughts to school,” Bucks County Juvenile Probation Chief Robert Stanzione said at the time of his hearing.
Marion Callahan can be reached at 215-345-3000; email: mcallahan@phillyBurbs.com; Twitter: @marioncallahan
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This case underscores the importance of compassionate and effective legal representation. Louis Busico’s dedication to his client ensured a fair outcome that considered the complex circumstances and aimed to support the family’s path to recovery.
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