May 1—A Decatur Middle School student created a "kill list" of students that was discovered by school officials, according to a letter Decatur City Schools issued to parents late Friday afternoon.

The letter states the student will be removed from the school environment and face disciplinary action.

Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Safety Dwight Satterfield said a "handful of names" were on the list.

"We along with our SRO unit and central office staff, investigated the situation," wrote Decatur Middle Principal Brad Newton in the letter. "We recovered the list and have, or are in the process of, making contact with the families of those students referenced on the list."

Satterfield said the situation additional disciplinary action is pending and that the student's guardian has been cooperative with the administration.

"Obviously, things like this you cannot take lightly," Satterfield said. "The administration did involve the school resource officer. There was a report made on this."

Satterfield said officials are planning a home visit to check for access to any available weapons, and that a licensed professional counselor for the district has been involved with the case.

The letter from DCS was dated April 21, but DCS Spokeswoman Elizabeth Gentle said the date was incorrect and was supposed to be April 28, when the list was discovered.

Newton could not be reached for comment Monday.

— audrey.johnson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2437.