STM Acknowledges ‘Very Serious Incident’ As Rumors Spread

UPDATE: The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office confirms reports regarding the potential poisoning of a student at St. Thomas More High School.

One juvenile has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery as a result of the investigation.

Because this case involves multiple juveniles and remains under investigation, no further information is available at this time.

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An incident at St. Thomas More Catholic High School is being investigated by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department. It comes after rumors spread quickly on social media about an alleged incident involving two STM football players. KPEL News has been unable to confirm the details of the incident which the school calls "very serious". We have reached out to LPSO, who only said: "an incident was still under investigation".

Earlier today, the Diocese of Lafayette put out the following statement on the incident.

The Diocese of Lafayette is aware of an incident last week involving three students at St. Thomas More High School. When the incident occurred, the school's administrative team, along with the school resource officer, immediately followed all proper protocols, providing medical care to the students involved and notifying parents and law enforcement, in accordance with Diocesan policy and civil law. Following the school's internal investigation of the incident, necessary disciplinary action was taken.

The school sent the following email, obtained by KPEL News, to parents late last week.

Dear STM Parents, As most of you are now aware, a very serious incident occurred on the STM campus yesterday involving three of our students.  The matter was handled swiftly and appropriately by the Administrative Staff, in accordance with both diocesan policy and civil law. Our number one priority is the safety of our students and we have addressed the situation accordingly. As with any incident of this nature, rumors, speculation, and social media comments are inevitable. Let us remember the importance of Christian charity and the likely fact that much of what we may hear is not the full story.  It is important to be sensitive to all parties involved, and the pain that such incidents cause to many people. Untruths and rumors do not help the healing process. While diocesan policy and civil norms prevent us from commenting on details, we ask that you do your best not to enter into rumor, not to post comments on social media, and to make attempts to respect the heartache and disruptiveness that the respective parties are now going through. STM is a school of bright and talented students and faculty.  This is our focus, and we pledge to continue to move forward and work hard to ensure that the hopes and dreams of all of our students who walk our corridors are realized.  In this, as with any sensitive situation, we offer our prayers. Thank you for your understanding and adhering to our request. In Christ, Rev. Michael J. Russo, Chancellor Mr. Richard Lavergne, President Mrs. Kelley Leger, Principal Mr. Rich Lane, Dean of Students