A grand jury has declined to indict an 18-year-old who was accused of planning a mass shooting at Pasadena Memorial High School last year. Emilio Lopez, 18, had been facing charges of conspiracy to commit capital murder after police said he and another student discussed carrying out the attack on campus.
According to court records, investigators alleged that Lopez sent messages referencing guns, ammunition, and plans to act "strategically." They also claimed he posted photos of himself holding firearms similar to those mentioned in the chats. The second student involved was a juvenile who still faces pending charges.
Lopez's attorney argued that prosecutors failed to show evidence of a "true agreement and an overt act" regarding the alleged shooting plan, which is typically required to prove a conspiracy charge. A grand jury, tasked with reviewing evidence and deciding whether there is enough to bring a felony charge, declined to indict Lopez on May 26.
Lopez was arrested in November after a parent reported screenshots of the allegedly incriminating messages. He was freed on bond and ordered to stay away from the school while the case moved forward. Authorities seized multiple guns and ammunition from Lopez during the investigation, but District Judge Stacy Allen Barrow denied his attorney's motion to have them returned.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office said that prosecutors could choose to present the case against Lopez again if new or stronger evidence emerges. The Pasadena Independent School District officials did not return a request for comment on the matter.