ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Florida — Authorities have arrested two teenage girls from Lake Brantley High School in a shocking plot to kill a classmate in a scheme tied to the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. The teenagers, Isabelle Valdez, 15, who identifies as transgender and goes by Jimmy, and her best friend Lois Lippert, 14, were taken into custody on January 23, 2026, after an anonymous tip alerted police to the threat.

According to Altamonte Springs Police, the tip came late the night before, warning that Valdez planned to attack a 15-year-old boy the following day. Investigators say Valdez brought a large knife, approximately 10–12 inches long, along with gloves, trash bags, wipes, and even flowers she intended for the victim’s funeral. She also carried cigarettes, which she allegedly planned to smoke after the attack.

Court records and police reports indicate Valdez told school officials that she heard voices urging her to stab the boy in a bathroom to create a “blood bond” that she believed would bring back Adam Lanza, the deceased Sandy Hook shooter. She reportedly stalked the victim, photographed him, and learned his schedule. Lippert allegedly assisted by buying supplies and sharpening the knife.

Both girls are facing attempted first-degree premeditated murder charges as adults. They remain in custody as prosecutors argue they pose a serious threat to the community and should be held pending trial. Law enforcement emphasized that the intervention prevented a potentially catastrophic attack, highlighting the importance of community tips and vigilance.

The case has sent shockwaves through Altamonte Springs and raised concerns about school safety and the influence of online and violent media on youth. Mental health professionals and law enforcement officials continue to examine how the plot developed and how similar threats can be detected early.