Parents voice concern after Brownwood ISD students create ‘death list’

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Last week, several Brownwood Independent School District parents received a notice stating that their child’s name appeared on a so-called “death list.” The list, allegedly created by two students, was later shared on social media. Now, parents are voicing concerns about their children’s safety and questioning how the district responded to the situation.

Russell Hair’s son is a freshman at Brownwood High School. He said so far this school year, his son has thrived.

“He’s doing honestly, fairly well. He is. He’s doing good on his grades. We don’t have to harp on him very much. He’s gotten a lot more responsible in his grades and how he’s matured recently in the last two years. Significantly, I would say,” Hair said.

Last week, he was shocked to receive a call from the school saying his son’s name was on a ‘death list’ that was made by students and leaked on social media.

“I got a call from one of the assistant principals. It was, as they put it to me, your son was on a death list,” Hair said. “It seems to be downplayed; it is as serious a situation as it is. I mean, this group of kids wrote to students, wrote that it was a death list, and put kids’ names on it. That, to me, is a threat. Whether the action was carried out or tried to be carried out is minute.”

Hair said he wanted the threat to be treated with the same severity as a shooting threat, notifying all parents and having more transparency.

“I can’t say what disciplinary action needs to be taken, but I do think it needs to be taken more seriously. A suggestion that I would think. I’m glad they referred to mental health, but maybe not allowing them back at school for a mental health evaluation is completely done,” Hair expressed. “It seems kind of like a slap on the wrist, and what’s to take what’s to stop the next student from thinking it’s okay besides? Oh, I’m just going to I’m going to get a slap on the hand, but I’m going to write a death list. And it could be more serious next time.”

The school district released the following statement:

“Thank you for reaching out. Brownwood ISD takes all potential threats seriously and responds immediately when such information comes to our attention.

Last week, two students were discovered to have written a list of names in a private journal. Another student photographed it and shared the image, prompting administrators to notify the families of students whose names appeared on it. Both students who created the list were removed from campus pending investigation, and a full threat assessment was conducted in coordination with law enforcement, counselors, and parents.

After conducting a thorough investigation, we determined that there is no credible threat to student safety. The students responsible have been removed from campus and placed in our disciplinary alternative education program. Mental health referrals have also been made for the students involved.

We appreciate students and parents who report concerns. If anyone ever becomes aware of a potential threat or unsafe situation, they should contact a campus administrator, school resource officer, or report it through our anonymous reporting system immediately.“