An individual from Eugene who made threats about becoming "the next" something was apprehended. Kip Kinkel In a live Facebook video last year, he was sentenced on Wednesday to five years of federal probation.
U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai chose not to heed the prosecutor’s suggestion to extend Jeffrey Alan Voss’s current detention period of six months by an additional six months following his arrest.
Rather than that, Kasubhai expressed his desire to make sure Voss receives the necessary support within the community once he returns, all while maintaining supervision through a probation officer and the oversight of the court.
"Let me make this crystal clear, I am putting you under probation for the next five years," Kasubhai informed Voss.
Kasubhai cautioned Voss that should he fail to adhere to the terms of his release, the judge would sentence him to a much lengthier term in prison than what the government originally requested.
"The videos are appalling, inappropriate, and they instilled a sense of unease and fear among many individuals in this community who do not deserve such treatment," the judge stated.
In May 1998, Thurston High School freshman Kip Kinkel murdered two students in the school's cafeteria and injured another twenty-four individuals after fatally shooting his parents at their house the previous day.
In a livestream video posted to his Facebook page later in September, Voss referenced Kinkel’s massacre by brandishing a firearm and threatening to carry out a mass school shooting at another high school in Springfield, stating he was just three minutes away.
In his video statement, Voss mentioned contemplating becoming "the next Kip Kinkel," and questioned what needs to be done for others to cease harassing him and start treating him respectfully, according to an affidavit from FBI Agent Hunter E. Fikes.
"You're driving a madman to his limit. This weapon isn't meant for me; it's intended for you," Voss stated, as reported by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.
McLaren stated that someone who watched the video contacted a school resource officer followed by calling 911.
The police and FBI agents recognized the individual in the footage as Voss, noting prior interactions with him concerning menacing videos back in 2020. He was taken into custody on October 1st, as stated in the affidavit.
In March, Voss, who is now 31 years old, admitted guilt to sending threatening messages across state lines.
Following Voss' apprehension, law enforcement officials from both the FBI and Eugene PD conducted a search at his residence where they discovered items including a fake pistol, a BB air revolver, an actual pump-action shotgun, a .22-caliber long rifle, along with a container for a Glock firearm which included various rounds of ammo, an extra-long clip, and additional 9mm bullets. They also seized protective gear equipped with bulletproof steel panels designed specifically to withstand attacks from rifles.
Kimberly-Claire E. Seymour, Assistant Federal Public Defender, contended that during his time in pre-sentencing detention, Voss—who suffers from both physical and mental disabilities—has faced bullying. She mentioned he experienced a brain aneurysm when he was younger and currently lives with cerebral palsy.
She mentioned that holding Voss for another six months would disrupt his current treatment, and he would need to wait before joining the program assisting him at present.
He obtains assistance from Full Access, which is a private organization contracted by the Oregon Department of Human Services for offering case management services. If Voss is discharged at this time, Full Access will offer individualized support, making sure he adheres to taking prescribed medications, keeps medical appointments, and participates in outpatient addiction counseling as needed, according to her statement. Upon release, he would go back to living in an apartment belonging to his parents.
There is no doubt regarding the severity and inappropriate nature of Mr. Voss' actions. Using someone's name who caused significant harm to this community evokes strong emotions among local residents and our neighbors," Seymour stated. "It makes sense that people feel scared and treat Mr. Voss' statements and visuals with great importance.
She said Voss reacted poorly to a years-long campaign of online bullying and taunting by others and called Voss’ video threats “the worst mistake of his life.”
Voss spoke to the judge concisely. "I genuinely regret producing these videos," he stated. "It has become clear to me just how damaging and distressing they can be."
Kinkel, who is currently 42 years old, is incarcerated serving an almost 112-year sentence.
— Maxine Bernstein reports on federal courts and criminal justice. Contact her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com , follow her on Twitter @maxoregonian , on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn .
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