'Which gun?': Chilling Facebook exchange of teen accused of school massacre plot

Police are investigating whether a Facebook exchange is proof a teenager accused of plotting a school massacre had been discussing the plan with friends before his arrest.

The 18-year-old from South Australia's Riverland was allegedly planning with his 16-year-old friend to go on a shooting rampage at the high school they used to attend, targeting students and teachers.

His Facebook page could hold a potential clue, as just 10 weeks ago he posted chilling song lyrics.

"My mind was a fortress you knew how to rupture. Flanking the trenches and storming my bunker," the lyrics read.

The teen said he couldn't believe his brother's actions. Source: 7 News
The teen said he couldn't believe his brother's actions. Source: 7 News

At the time it seemed unremarkable until a friend posted a chilling reply.

"Shooting up schools, putting kids in their slumber. Which gun should I choose, oh how I wonder," the reply reads.

It will be alleged the teens were inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School massacre where two teens murdered 12 students and a teacher.


Accused's Riverland family in shock

The teenager's brother said despite living in the same house, he never once became suspicious of the 18-year-old's activities.

The teen was allegedly planning an attack at his former school. Source: 7 News
The teen was allegedly planning an attack at his former school. Source: 7 News
The teen was arrested. Source: 7 News
The teen was arrested. Source: 7 News

"It was pretty much a sense of disbelief and shock I guess," he told 7 News.

"You don't think something like that could happen in this community let alone your own family."

It has been just over three weeks since police raided their family's home.

"It's really hard to put your mind around it, to imagine something like that on such a scale," the brother said.

Police claim the pair had stockpiled a frightening arsenal of weapons, including knives and bomb making equipment seized from the 16-year-old's home earlier this month.

The teen was allegedly going to create havoc at his former school. Source: 7 News
The teen was allegedly going to create havoc at his former school. Source: 7 News
The teen is in custody. Source: 7 News
The teen is in custody. Source: 7 News

"They're using metal detectors with gloves on, taking all sorts of stuff," a neighbour of the family said.

While the 16-year-old's family has accused police of fabricating the allegations, the 18-year-old's brother has actually praised officers for their work on the case.

He's hoping to visit his brother in prison soon.

"You've got to stand by your family as much as you can. Sometimes it can be a very, very hard thing to do," the brother said.