Houston ISD student’s 3D-printed weapon could have worked when fired
Federal authorities have tested the 3D-printed gun that a student brought to Chavez High School in April during an apparent mental health crisis. Prosecutors have told a judge that although it lacked bullets and a working magazine — it could fire like any other weapon.
Court officials said that the student printed out the weapon at home, brought it to school and hid it in his waistband. On Friday.
He never removed the weapon from his waistband and told a school official that he wanted to end his life. The prosecution said. They told court that the student didn’t have any bullets.
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Judge Danilo Lacayo balanced the seriousness of the allegation with the student’s reported but unspecified mental health Condition It is likely that his behavior was influenced by this. The bail for Alexander Teran (18) was lowered from $1 million down to $100,000 by the judge. He had been on the higher rib for a month.
Court records indicate that the teen posted bond on Saturday for a charge of possessing a prohibited weapon. He will undergo a mental evaluation at a Harris County facility to determine whether he is eligible for inpatient care.
His defense attorney, Joshua Willoughby, vowed to help ensure Teran will focus on his recovery before he returns to school or work.
A prosecutor told the jurist at Friday’s bail hearing that school leaders considered Teran’s actions an isolated incident, rather than an attempt to hurt others at the school. No students or staff were injured or threatened.
The school will enroll him in a different school if he is released on bail, according to the prosecutor.
The prosecutor stated that an official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) tested the gun and found out that bullets can be loaded and fired individually. The magazine that Teran had in his firearm when he brought it to the school did not function, but another magazine would have worked, according to the official.
Before closing for the Day the judge noted that he read Teran’s evaluation and he specifically warned him to not use drugs.
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“You cannot use drugs or alcohol,” Lacayo said. “No marijuana, no shrooms, no coke. That upsets your mind.”
Teran was also ordered to surrender the 3D printer in his family home, as well as any weapons that it may have produced.
“That 3D printer is going somewhere and it’s not going in your house,” the judge continued.
The lowering of Teran’s bail followed a tense clash of words earlier in the week where Willoughby challenged the judge She asked him about his decision to defer their hearing until after the court reporter returns. She Had gone home earlier sick with a high fever.