Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge John Collins finds Hill took substantial steps toward enacting shooting plan at Newberg High School

Written by Seth Gordon, Newberg Graphic

Jacob Hill, 17, was essentially found guilty Friday afternoon by Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge John Collins for his role in a planned but ultimately thwarted shooting at Newberg High School.

Because Hill was tried in juvenile court, Collins technically ruled him to be “in the jurisdiction of the court,” the equivalent of a guilty verdict in an adult criminal court, on two counts of attempted assault and one count of attempted unlawful use of a weapon.

Hill, along with friends and family in the gallery, began crying softly as it became clear during Collins’ speaking verdict that he would be found culpable in the matter before becoming overcome with tears when the actual ruling was announced.

Collins explained that the state did prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hill did intend to carry out the plan and took “substantial steps” toward enacting it after it was initially crafted with four friends at the Friends Cemetery Feb. 29 and before he was arrested three days later after skipping a counseling session March 3.

Collins said it was not a single act, but a collection of smaller acts that he considered in determining if substantial steps were taken, including Hill retaining the plans found in his journal, soliciting a friend not involved in the initial planning to be a getaway driver, continuing his efforts to obtain fireams and compiling a list of supplies.

“Certainly we are pleased with the outcome,” Yamhill County District Attorney Brad Berry said. “This was a serious case that potentially impacted a lot of people in the community, certainly put a lot of people in the community in fear, and rightfully so. I think the verdict here shows that stepping up and alerting authorities and other adults in the school really and quite potentially saved a big tragedy. The court here recognized that the steps taken by Mr. Hill were significant steps toward completing what he wanted to do.”

A disposition hearing, which is the equivalent of a sentencing hearing in adult court, was tentatively scheduled for the week of May 16 after defense attorney Paula Lawrence requested more time to confer with her client because she understood the state’s intention was to place Hill in a juvenile correctional facility.

A detention review hearing, which is required to occur every 10 days in a juvenile case unless waived by the defense, was also scheduled for May 9.

As the courtroom began to clear, Hill’s mother asked Collins if she could be allowed to give her son a hug, but after ultimately being denied became very emotional, raising her voice to plead her case and eventually yelling her disagreement when Collins said he understood her position but would not allow the physical contact.

“He needs a hug,” she yelled. “He’s just a kid.”

Hill quietly told her, “It’s okay,” and was showered with numerous expressions of love and support from his friends and family in attendance, replying “Thank you” and “I love you, too,” several times.