BENTONVILLE -- A former John Brown University student is fit to stand trial in his criminal case involving the use of explosives.
Timothy Bernice Constantin, 20, of Gainesville, Fla., is charged with criminal acts involving explosives. He faces from three to 10 years in prison if convicted of the Class C felony.
Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren suspended the proceedings in January after ordering Constantin to undergo a mental evaluation. A mental status hearing today revealed Constantin is fit to stand trial.
Police received a call Nov. 1 4 about a suicidal person who had made comments about committing a mass shooting or bombing, according to a news release from the Siloam Springs Police Department. Siloam Springs police and John Brown University Campus Safety officers went to J. Alvin Brown Hall on campus and spoke with Constantin in his dorm room.
Police found firearms and ammunition, according to the press release. An AK-47 rifle missing the butt stock and a Keltech 9mm carbine gun were found in a gray tote bag in the room, according to a probable cause affidavit. Numerous magazines for both weapons, several knives and a machete were also found in the room, according to the affidavit.
The search also revealed a suicide note by Constantin, who wrote he wanted to commit a mass shooting or bombing because of his hatred for society, according to the affidavit.
During interviews, witnesses said Constantin had been constructing explosive devices and igniting them at an off-campus location, according to the release. Constantin later admitted to building explosive devices, but no material for explosives was found during the search of his room, according to court documents.
Constantin said he never intended to use the firearms for malicious purposes, according to the probable cause affidavit. He said if he wanted to commit a mass killing, he would use explosive devices because they are easy to conceal, easy to synchronize, and inflict mass chaos and mass damage, the affidavit says.
Constantin is free on a $75,000 bond.
Julie Gumm, director of communications at John Brown University, previously said Constantin was not enrolled in classes this semester.
NW News on 04/24/2018