Treatment ordered for student who made Columbine-like threats
Sept. 21, 2007
Bensenville, Ill., student released from jail after serving sentence.
A Bensenville, Ill., student charged with plotting a Columbine-style attack on Fenton High School in May has pleaded guilty to intimidation. Matthew Balman, 17, was ordered to continue mental health treatment. In May, he asked an acquaintance to carry out a scheme that involved getting numerous rifles and handguns that belonged to his grandfather. Balman was sentenced to serve 180 days in the county jail, which allowed him to be released with credit for time served.
