KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather SportsJoplin teen who fired gun inside middle school pleads guilty
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JOPLIN, MO. - The Joplin teen who fired a shot inside his middle school changes his plea to guilty.
Thomas White was found competent to assist in his own defense and Friday entered into a plea agreement.
White entered Memorial Middle School on October 9, 2006 and fired one round into the ceiling.
The school was evacuated and no one was injured.
Despite pleas from children's advocates, the prosecutor decided to try the then 13-year-old as an adult.
He was held at the Jasper County jail for 18 months in solitary confinement.
Last year he was sent to a mental health facility in Kansas City for treatment and evaluation.
Now, after nearly three years, the case is almost complete.
White's mother, Norma, says she's relieved that the case is wrapping up.
"I'm glad we are here, I'm glad we are at this point, and it's moving forward," Norma White says. "Hopefully it's going to be over with."
White is now 16-years-old and instead of going to trial, he plead guilty to three of the five charges against him.
As part of the plea agreement two of the charges against him will be dropped.
He will also be considered for the dual jurisdiction program. That will allow White to get treatment as a juvenile and a chance to be released from custody before adulthood.
Sentencing is set for September.
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