UPDATE: Connell to remain in jail
In continuing our efforts to inform Citrus County families of any school threats that may arise, we wanted to update you on a previous situation we first alerted you to on Thursday, August 15, 2019, regarding 34-year-old Ryan Connell. As you may recall, Connell made threatening statements to harm students at Inverness Primary School. He made these verbal threats to both law enforcement and a family member while in jail on unrelated charges.
Today, there was a closed chamber meeting between Connell’s representation, the Assistant State Attorney and Judge Howard. It was determined that Connell’s court date be moved so that an evaluation can be completed. Until that time, which we have learned could possibly be September 25, 2019, Connell will remain in custody with a no bond status.
Superintendent Himmel is proud to see state leaders taking notice of this situation after she wrote a letter to the District State Attorney's Office asking to pursue charges against Mr. Connell. “If this is the case that pushes the legislature to add verbal threats to the statute regarding threats in schools – so be it,” says Superintendent Himmel. “Myself, along with our entire school board, feel strongly that in cases like these where verbal threats are made – there needs to be a criminal consequence.”
As always, we are committed to keeping your children safe in our schools and utilizing every available resource to ensure safety on our campuses.