2 Teens Charged in Alleged Indiana High School Shooting Plot

Authorities say the teens planned a mass shooting at Morristown High School.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Two 17-year-old girls, Alexis Pickett and Melanie Little, have been charged as adults with attempted murder and conspiracy for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at Morristown High School in Shelbyville, Indiana. The investigation began in December when Pickett's mother reported concerning behaviors, including online conversations about past school shooters. The teens allegedly discussed obtaining guns and planned the attack around the school's graduation date.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of school violence and the importance of parents, law enforcement, and the community working together to identify and address potential threats. It also raises questions about how to balance student privacy with public safety concerns.

The details

According to the probable cause affidavit, Pickett, a student at Morristown High School, and Little, from Mississippi, communicated extensively on the Discord app about planning a mass shooting at the school. Pickett allegedly sent Little a video of the school's layout and discussed obtaining firearms, including a muzzleloader that Pickett owns. The two teens allegedly planned to carry out the attack around the school's graduation date, even though graduation was scheduled for two days earlier.

  • In December, Pickett's mother, Rhonda Nicholson, approached police with concerns about Pickett's behavior.
  • Pickett was charged in January.
  • Little was charged this week.

The players

Alexis Pickett

A 17-year-old student at Morristown High School in Shelbyville, Indiana, who has been charged as an adult with attempted murder and conspiracy for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at her school.

Melanie Little

A 17-year-old from Corinth, Mississippi, who has also been charged as an adult with attempted murder and conspiracy for her alleged role in the plot to attack Morristown High School.

Rhonda Nicholson

The mother of Alexis Pickett, who approached police in December with concerns about her daughter's behavior, which ultimately led to the investigation and charges.

Brad Landwerlen

The Shelby County Prosecutor, who praised Pickett's mother for reporting her concerns and said 'The mother saved a bunch of lives.'

Morristown High School

The school in Shelbyville, Indiana that was the alleged target of the planned mass shooting attack.

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What they’re saying

“What I say to parents is, 'It's OK to check your child's activities, see the conversations they're having.'”

— Brad Landwerlen, Shelby County Prosecutor (wane.com)

“The mother saved a bunch of lives.”

— Brad Landwerlen, Shelby County Prosecutor (wane.com)

What’s next

Pickett's trial is set to start on April 20, and Indiana officials have begun the extradition process to bring Little back from Mississippi, where she is currently being held.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical role that parents, law enforcement, and the community must play in identifying and addressing potential threats of school violence. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring.