Nationwide — Julian Davis, a 14-year-old middle school student from Fruit Cove, Florida, faces adult charges after authorities accused him of making homemade firearms and explosives. His attorney denies that he planned to hurt anyone or carry out a larger attack.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputies began investigating Davis and his 13-year-old classmate on April 27 after receiving a tip about Telegram messages between them. Both attended Switzerland Point Middle School. Investigators said the messages discussed robbing someone at gunpoint, making a shotgun and musket, and getting zip ties. Authorities later said they found similar items while searching Davis’ home.
According to Fox News, deputies arrested Davis on April 30 and charged him as an adult with multiple gun and explosives offenses. Prosecutors also charged both boys with conspiracy to commit a robbery with a gun. The younger boy entered the juvenile justice system.
During searches of Davis’ home, deputies and federal agents said they found three homemade firearms, ammunition, suspected explosive components, restraints, weapon-building notes, and a drawing resembling a Molotov cocktail.
Investigators also found a tactical vest with what they called “White supremacy drawings,” along with a manifesto written by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. They also found a U.S. Army improvised munitions handbook and “The Anarchist Cookbook.”
Sheriff Robert Hardwick said investigators found evidence that went beyond the alleged robbery. He said Davis and his friend planned to rob someone identified as “CJ,” though investigators have not determined who that person is.
Hardwick also said Davis searched online for information about mass school shootings and other violent attacks. He described the teenager as having a fixation with high-profile attackers and said investigators believed Davis wanted to emulate them.
Davis remains jailed on a $240,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for another arraignment next month. His attorney, Jill Barger, disputes the sheriff’s claims. She said Davis became frightened and depressed after spending four months in an “empty pod” at the jail. She also accused authorities of publicly discussing the case to “influence jurors ahead of trial.”
“Julian never even thought about harming anyone,” Barger said. “There is no evidence of this. No writings by Julian, no threats, nothing.”
The 13-year-old spent 21 days in juvenile custody before his release. Neither boy can return to Switzerland Point Middle School.
School officials said investigators found “never a direct threat” against the campus. The investigation began after a tip was submitted through FortifyFL, a reporting system created after the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.