Police cracking down after teens make terrorizing tweets

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Two West Haven students were expelled, arrested, and charged with felonies after police say they sent terrorizing tweets.

And with so many people using social media these days authorities are cracking down.

Police sent a letter to the school's principal making her aware of how serious the crimes are and how parents should monitor their kids social media accounts.

Students at West Haven High School will probably think twice about putting terrorist terms on their social media sites.

"They don't know what kind of trouble they're gonna get themselves into until it actually happens," said senior Durell Stinson.

One of Durell's friend's, a junior, was arrested and expelled for posting on twitter about bombs in a locker that would go off.

"He was a good kid," Durell said. "He got all his grades done. He was on the football team and had something going for him."

A sophomore was also arrested and expelled for posting about shooting other kids and himself.

"What are people saying in school? Are they agreeing," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"The kids are gonna disagree, but they don't know if it's right or wrong cause they're still teenagers and young, but I see that they're doing it for the well being of us," said Durell.

Durell's grandfather says he hopes kids now understand putting in writing the words bomb and murder are no joke.

"They should be expelled and arrested," Durell's grandfather said.

He was glad police told the principal they mean business by writing a letter to her that this behavior can not and will not be ignored.

News 8 stopped by the superintendent's office and called the high school several times to ask how they suggest parent's monitor their kid's social media websites. They didn't returned our calls.

One mother and daughter say it's all about open communication.

"I see her on it, I'll be like can I go sit down with you and see what you're doing," said Eunice Cartagena.

"I know my mom won't be 24-7 in my Facebook and Twitter and stalking me," said Ayanira Olmedo. "I know that she gives me my privacy and my space."

The West Haven police are encouraging all parents to have a serious chat with their kids and let them know they too could face serious charges if they were to put any type of words or language that eludes to violence on their social media accounts.