CANTON, Ga. — Federal and local authorities arrested three suspects last week in connection with an alleged conspiracy to carry out a shooting at Cherokee High School, after the FBI’s Atlanta office identified threatening social media posts and alerted school district police.
The joint investigation, led by the Canton Police Department with assistance from the FBI, began on Oct. 19 when Cherokee County School District police contacted Canton detectives after receiving the FBI tip.
3 Arrested in Alleged Conspiracy to Shoot Up Cherokee High School
Detectives identified a juvenile Canton resident linked to the threats and arrested the youth on Oct. 20. The juvenile faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and disruption or interference with the operation of public schools. Authorities are withholding the juvenile’s name due to age.
As the investigation expanded across state lines, a Cherokee County magistrate issued arrest warrants on Oct. 22 for two additional suspects. On Oct. 23, Canton detectives, working with the FBI, Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested 17-year-old Shane Keith Taylor of Metter, Georgia. Taylor was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
The same day, the FBI and Los Angeles Police Department arrested 21-year-old Michael Brandon Terry of Chatsworth, California. Terry, also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, remains in California awaiting extradition to Georgia.
During the investigation and related searches, law enforcement collected firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices as evidence. Officials have not released further details about the alleged plot, the suspects’ relationships, or specific roles to protect the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have identified no known ongoing threat to Cherokee High School or other Cherokee County schools. Cherokee County School District officials briefed faculty and staff at the high school and a neighboring middle school, increased police presence on the Cherokee High School campus, and arranged additional counselors for students and staff. The district notified families and employees of the developments.
“The safety of our students and school staff is a top priority, and we take every threat seriously,” Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell said. “I appreciate the quick action of our law enforcement partners and the dedication of our detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects.”
Superintendent Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis praised the multi-agency response in a message to families, noting that the investigation demonstrated effective safety protocols and collaboration among the FBI, Canton Police, school police, the district attorney’s office, and other agencies.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883 or submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Officials encourage parents to discuss the importance of immediately reporting threats with their children.
