The teenager accused of attacking fellow students at Pella Middle School this past November will be charged as a youthful offender.

According to court records, the 14-year-old student will continue to face three counts of attempted murder, two charges of willful injury, and one count of assault with intent to inflict serious injury for the alleged attack on November 20th, 2024.

Iowa Code indicates youthful offender status has the individual tried in district court instead of juvenile court, and supervised for any sentence that would result from a guilty verdict or plea. When the person turns 18 years old, the court will review the individual’s status and evaluate whether it would continue as is and consider future sentencing guidance.

The court order issued on April 25th indicates the Marion County Attorney’s Office and representation for the juvenile involved have reached an agreement regarding the terms of the waiver and future pleas related to the case.

Court records show the 14-year-old former Pella Middle School student has undergone a “comprehensive psychological evaluation,” and a doctor cited for the recommendation wrote that the individual accused of the attack is “at high risk for Antisocial Personality Disorder.” The report further indicated there is a high chance of re-offending, and that the juvenile has resisted medication management and therapy.

The teenager involved in the incident is scheduled for arraignment on May 9th and he remains in custody.