Glen Carbon man who threatened shooting at EHS free on bond

By Pat Pratt

ppratt@timestribunenews.com

A Glen Carbon man accused of threatening to conduct a shooting at Edwardsville High School is free on bond after a mental health evaluation deemed him a “low risk of harm to himself or others.”

Court records show 19-year-old Spencer Hurley is charged with two felony counts of falsely making a terrorist threat and a single count of felony disorderly conduct. Following his arrest on Jan. 13, the courts ordered that prior to any release on bond he submit to a mental health evaluation. 

Madison County Circuit Judge Amy Maher signed an order on Jan. 20, which states clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Cuneo met with Hurley on two separate occasions to perform the evaluation. 

“Dr. Cuneo has reported to this court that the defendant poses a low risk of harm to himself or others should he be released on bond,” the order states. 

Court records show a $15,000 bond paid in $100 bills was posted on Jan. 31 for Hurley. That amount is 10% percent of the court ordered amount of $150,000 set following his arrest.  

In addition to a mental health evaluation, Hurley was also required as a condition of bond to be equipped with an electronic monitoring device and not be in the presence of any firearms.

Other requirements of Hurley’s bond also include that he remain away from school property and school activities, as well as not interfere, harass or intimidate any students or school staff. 

The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a news release following Hurley’s arrest outlining the charges. 

According to the release, Hurley made a statement on Jan. 10 he had a detailed plan to conduct a shooting at the school and that he would use “a couple grenades and a large amount of ammunition to cause mass casualties.” 

The second count alleges Hurley made the same statement, that he would conduct a shooting at the school using grenades and a large amount of ammunition, but adds he would “kill or wound approximately 80 people at the school.” 

Hurley apparently transmitted the threats to a principal at the school, which according to the news release is the basis of the disorderly conduct charge.

Hurley’s next court appearance is a preliminary hearing, which is set for Feb. 3 with Maher presiding.