Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – A Jonesboro teen is being held on a $150,000 cash-only bond after police said he threatened to shoot up a school in a video posted on social media.
According to the affidavit, on Nov. 19, a video posted by 19-year-old Eli Marshall Kelley on Instagram showed him loading an AR-15-style rifle and placing it under his chin. He then shook the rifle violently, saying, “I will do it.”
Police said that, after he loaded the weapon, Kelley could be seen waving the weapon back and forth, followed by him asking where the nearest school was. The video was also filled with several expletives.
During an interview, Kelley admitted to recording the video and posting it online. Jonesboro police had also received several complaints about the video, which caused alarm for the safety of students in the area.
The affidavit noted that, in 2022, Kelley, as a juvenile, was investigated for threatening to commit mass violence at a local school.
On Nov. 21, Kelley appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler, who found probable cause to charge him with threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property. In addition to his bond, Kelley was ordered to have no contact with all schools and not possess any weapons. He must also wear a GPS ankle monitor upon release.
Kelley’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is dealing with issues related to mental health, dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
