Jury Trial Underway In Bartlesville School Shooting Plot

A former Bartlesville High School student went on trial Monday for planning to attack his fellow students and teachers.

Sammie Chavez, 19, was arrested last December, accused of plotting to kill classmates, teachers and police officers at Bartlesville High School.

"I'm hoping that the jury sees that this isn't happening. It was a joke that shouldn't have been joked about to begin with," said his mother, Jessie Chavez.

The prosecution opened its case against Chavez Monday afternoon with testimony from Tyler White, a student, who told the court he heard Chavez telling another classmate how he would carry out a Columbine-style attack.

4/30/2013 Related Story: Report: Bartlesville Student Charged With Making Threat Is Competent

Chavez's plan, according to White, was to get everyone in the auditorium and chain the doors shut. A gunman would shoot from above, inside the auditorium, and bombs would be placed at the doors to kill police officers.

Chavez's mother said her son meant it all as a joke, and his attorney got White to admit on the stand that Chavez could be a jokester.

His mother also said Chavez suffers from depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder. She said she hopes jurors will see his comments as a joke and that she will always love him.

"Oh yeah, it's unconditional love. If you're a parent that's what you do, unconditional no matter what," Jessie Chavez said.

The prosecution plans to call two more witnesses Tuesday, and the case is expected to go to the jury by the afternoon.

Chavez has remained in the Washington County jail since his December arrest.