A student accused of posting a note saying there was a shooter in Taylorville High School made his first appearance in Christian County Court on Friday in front of Judge Brad Paisley.  Wearing an orange jumpsuit, Payton L. Chronister appeared via Zoom from the Christian County Jail. Chronister is accused of leaving a note that said “There is a school shooter in the building with a gun help” on Thursday morning.  Authorities say that Chronister was motivated to get attention and to get out of school early. 

If convicted, Chronister could face 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and one year of mandatory supervised release. The court found probable cause and the state sought a cash bond of $10,000 or $1,000 to apply. State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl asked for a cash bond based on the serious nature of the offense and the worry of hysteria due to a situation such as leaving a note like that. 

Defense Attorney Tiffany Senger argued that there was no probable cause and that Chronister conveyed a request for help. Senger argued that a student wouldn’t be able to pay for a cash bond and felt that a recognizance bond was needed as he wasn’t considered a flight risk.  

Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchison says that Chronister is facing a ten-day suspension and the School Board is set to have a meeting about any future status for him. Judge Paisley found that cash bond of $10,000 with 10% to apply and special terms and conditions to apply including not entering any school property unless approved by school authorities. 

Preliminary hearing is set for December 12th.