11-Year-Old Student Charged After Alleged Threat at Highbanks Learning Center

Deltona, FL — November 10, 2025

Authorities in Volusia County have charged an 11-year-old student at Highbanks Learning Center with a felony after the child allegedly wrote a kill list targeting others at the school. The student, identified as Karson Curry, was reported by school staff after the list was discovered on campus.

The School Resource Deputy assigned to Highbanks confirmed that Curry does not have access to any weapons and that there was no immediate threat to students or staff. Nonetheless, under Florida law, making a written threat to kill is classified as a felony—even if the threat is not imminent or actionable.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood addressed the incident publicly, reiterating his department’s zero-tolerance stance on school threats. “We’ve seen a decline in these kinds of threats recently, but that doesn’t mean we’re letting our guard down,” Chitwood said. “Students and parents need to understand that these actions have serious consequences. A written threat, even from a child, is treated as a criminal offense.”

The sheriff’s office has been actively working with local schools to educate students about the legal and emotional impact of making threats, whether verbal, written, or online. Officials say the goal is to prevent incidents before they escalate and to ensure students understand the gravity of their words.

School administrators at Highbanks Learning Center are cooperating fully with law enforcement and have taken steps to support students and staff in the wake of the incident. Mental health professionals have been made available to speak with students, and additional safety protocols are being reviewed.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about the contents of the list or potential targets have been released due to the age of the student and privacy considerations.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, communication, and early intervention in school environments. Sheriff Chitwood emphasized that while the justice system must respond appropriately, families and educators also play a critical role in guiding young people through emotional challenges and helping them make responsible choices.