Photo Courtesy of East Chicago Police/ Facebook
East Chicago Police Department officers were summoned to St. Stanislaus School, located at 4930 Indianapolis Blvd, because of a teacher’s threat on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The students were unnamed, but the teacher’s name was Angelica Carrasquillo-Torres, 25.
The principal and Assistant principal notified police that a 5th-grade student informed a counselor about disturbing comments the Carrasquillo-Torres made about killing herself, students, and staff at the school. She told the student that they were at the bottom of the list.
According to a report, the now-former St. Stanislaus teacher was removed from the classroom, escorted to the principal office, and admitted to having a kill list and making the statements. The teacher mentioned a specific student on the list without providing the list.
Before asking her to leave the premises, the principal waited until the end of the day when students left. After advising her to go, the principal warned her never to return to school property during the ongoing investigation.
The school called the East Chicago police four hours after the teacher left and reported what happened—around 12:45 p.m.
Following the completed report, the officers notified the Criminal Investigation Division, and they secured an emergency detention order for the 25-year-old the next day. Around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, the officers removed Griffith from her residence and took her into custody.
The investigation is ongoing, and statements haven’t been made. St. Stanislaus School and the East Chicago Police Department made Facebook posts to inform parents about what was happening.
The Stanislaus East School moved classes to e-learning and allowed access to school counselors.
“The school is working closely with local authorities and the Diocese of Gary’s Schools Office to ensure that St. Stanislaus students continue to have a safe and supportive environment in which they can learn, grow and prosper,” the post read. “While we are still navigating this unimaginable event, we are grateful for the teachers and staff who carefully and compassionately listen to the concerns of students, with respect for their well-being.”
“We thank God for the family culture of St. Stanislaus that provides students with an environment where they feel safe sharing concerns and questions with teachers and staff.”