The 17-year-old boy accused of plotting and unsuccessfully carrying out a massacre at Hillsdale High School in August will learn in early January if he’ll stand trial on multiple felonies, including attempted murder.

Alexander Robert Youshock was scheduled for a preliminary hearing next Tuesday but defense attorney Jonathan McDougall yesterday successfully pushed it back until Jan. 7.

A decision on McDougall’s other request to ban cameras from the courtroom in all future proceedings was also delayed two months. Judge Robert Foiles found the request “premature” and decided the preliminary hearing judge should rule after giving the press an opportunity to respond, said Assistant Deputy District Attorney Karen Guidotti.

Youshock is charged as an adult with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of exploding a destructive device with intent to commit murder, one count of possession of a destructive device in a public place, one count of use of explosives in an act of terrorism and two counts of possession of a deadly weapon.

He has pleaded not guilty.

According to prosecutors, the former Hillsdale student planned the rampage at his former alma mater out of a desire for revenge. The Aug. 24 attack in particular was aimed at a chemistry teacher whose class he had attended and a security aide who apparently was in the wrong place when Youshock set off the two pipe bombs.  

Youshock allegedly arrived on campus at approximately 8 a.m. with a vest strapped with pipe bombs and the sword and carrying a chain saw he nicknamed Collie — short for Columbine. Aside from the weapons, Youshock reportedly had a welder’s mask to protect his face during the attack and a plan to commit suicide or take a hostage if police wouldn’t shoot him dead. After setting off two pipe bombs that injured no one, Youshock reportedly attempted to start the chain saw but had problems. After attracting attention by the actions, English language development teacher Kennet Santana tackled Youshock. Principal Jeff Gilbert and counselor Ed Canda joined and the three held him until police arrived.

Prior to that Monday morning, Youshock reportedly compiled a list of teachers assigned with the words “guilty” or “not guilty,” ordered the explosive material online while telling his mother he was constructing model rockets and videotaped himself preparing the weapons and wielding the chain saw.

Since Youshock’s arrest, his court appearances have drawn wide publicity and a sea of cameras. Previous judges have allowed photos and video footage but McDougall continues pushing for a ban, claiming it is prejudicial against his client and could discourage witnesses from testifying.

Before yesterday, Youshock was last in court when the prosecution asked for DNA swabs to compare to gloves and the sword found at the crime scene.

Youshock remains in custody at the Youth Services Center.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.