Two Florida teenagers accused of planning a violent “blood ritual” murder at their high school were captured on video laughing and joking in the back of a police car after their arrest, according to footage presented during a recent court hearing.
Prosecutors revealed the patrol car video during a bond hearing for Lois Olivios Lippert, 14, and Isabelle Aurelia Valdez, 15, both from Altamonte Springs, a suburb of Orlando. The footage showed the pair making jokes and discussing how they might appear in their mugshots shortly after being taken into custody.
Authorities allege the teens were plotting a deadly attack at Lake Brantley High School. Investigators say the plan involved ambushing a fellow student inside a school restroom and carrying out a violent stabbing.
During the video shown in court, Valdez tells Lippert she had intended to put on makeup before school so she would look better in her booking photo.
“I was going to do my makeup this morning for the mugshot,” Valdez said, explaining she could not find any before leaving for school.
“I’m glad I don’t look too bad today,” Lippert replied.
Valdez responded that she would still be seen “in the mugshot some way or another.”
Prosecutors argued the conversation demonstrated a disturbing lack of concern about the alleged plot and warned the court the teens pose a serious danger to the community. Assistant State Attorney Domenick Leo told the judge that no conditions of release would adequately protect the public.
The judge ordered both defendants held without bond.
Court documents state that Valdez was allegedly inspired by the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting and had expressed fascination with the attacker. Investigators say she believed carrying out the killing would allow her to form a “blood bond” with him.
Police first learned about the alleged plan in January after receiving a tip from a student who reported that someone known as “Jimmy” was planning to kill a classmate. Detectives later identified that individual as Valdez.
Investigators say messages exchanged on Discord described the alleged plan in detail, including discussions about bringing a knife to school and testing it beforehand. Prosecutors also allege the pair intended to leave flowers at the scene after the attack.
According to investigators, the planned attack would have targeted a student who reminded Valdez of the Sandy Hook shooter.
Authorities credit the report from a concerned student with preventing the alleged attack before it could occur.
Both teens have been charged with attempted murder and will be prosecuted as adults rather than in the juvenile justice system. If convicted, they could face significantly longer prison sentences than would typically be possible under juvenile court rules.
