Three arrested in plot to shoot Cherokee High

Three people face murder conspiracy charges after police disrupted a plan to shoot at Cherokee High School. The investigation began when the FBI identified threatening posts on social media and passed the information to the Cherokee County School District police. On Oct. 19, district police contacted the Canton Police Department, which launched its own inquiry.

Detectives first identified a juvenile resident of Canton. Police arrested that individual on Oct. 20, charging them with conspiracy to commit murder and disruption of a public school. Authorities have not released the juvenile's name. Two other suspects came into view as the case developed. On Oct. 23, officers arrested Shane Keith Taylor, a 17-year-old, and charged him with conspiracy to commit murder. He is currently held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

The third suspect, Michael Brandon Terry, is 21 and lives in Chatsworth, California. The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Terry in California. He faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder and is awaiting transport back to Cherokee County. Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell stated that the safety of students and staff is a top priority. He noted that the department takes every threat seriously and commended the quick action of law enforcement partners.

Ferrell also highlighted the dedication of the detectives who identified the suspects. Authorities confirmed there is no known ongoing threat to Cherokee High School or any other school in the county. The investigation remains active. Police asked anyone with information to contact the Canton station at 770-720-4883 or submit a tip to the FBI.