Triton boosts security after Camden murder

RUNNEMEDE - Triton Regional High School has received threats and boosted security after one of its students was charged in connection with a Camden murder, the school's principal has disclosed.

"As a precaution, we will continue to have an increased police presence during the arrival and dismissal of students for the next few days," the Runnemede school said on its website Thursday.

MORE: Murder victim chosen at random?

Principal Melissa Sheppard described the security boost as "proactive" and said officials see "no immediate threat or danger to Triton students."

The security concerns have arisen since a Triton student, 18-year-old Raquan Handon, was charged in connection with a May 18 homicide in Camden. Authorities say Handon and three other teenagers took part in a two-hour shooting and robbery spree in Camden that ended with the shotgun slaying of 19-year-old Terron Phillips.

In a statement Thursday, the school said administrators and borough police "have been investigating threats made on social media against Triton."

"As of 1 p.m. today, we have no evidence to support any of the posts, tweets or texts that have been circulated since last evening," it added.

She said the "heinous" slaying in Camden "was not connected to Triton or its students."

Arrest stirs strong emotions in Triton community: 'Like' us on Facebook and check out the fiery debate

Sheppard said the security precautions would not interfere with ongoing school activities, including a talent show on Thursday night and athletic practices.

The principal, who has declined additional comment, announced the increased security measures in a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday. She said police also have stepped up patrols on roads near the school.

Runnemede Police Chief Paul Dailey also could not be reached.

MORE: Suspects arraigned in teen's slaying

Authorities say Phillips was killed with a blast from a sawed-off shotgun after he was confronted on a Cramer Hill street by Handon and a Merchantville 16-year-old. Two other suspects urged on the assailants from a nearby SUV, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

The suspects crossed paths with Phillips at a River Road gas station, then robbed him as he was walking home to his grandmother's house around 1:30 a.m., according to the prosecutor's office. The 16-year-old fired the fatal shot, authorities allege.

Handon, charged with felony murder and other offenses, has admitted his role in the crimes, according to Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Christine Shah.

Also charged are Aaron Swann, 19, and Ashan Thomas, 18, both of Pennsauken, and the Merchantville youth.

Handon, Swann and Thomas are being held on $2 million bail. Handon "will not be returning" to Triton, according to Sheppard's letter.

Sheppard said security was boosted after a suspicious vehicle was reported in the parking lot of the Schubert Avenue school on the day after the slaying. She said the vehicle was not connected to the crime.

Sheppard also said she had ordered the removal of pictures of Handon's arraignment, which had been briefly posted Wednesday on an office window at Triton.

"This upset many of our students who know the person in the photograph," she said. "Students became upset, pictures were taken and posted on social media, and the rumor mill began."

Sheppard, who could not be reached for immediate comment, also said she had posted the school's "Gang Awareness Policy" at Triton's website. An introduction to that policy notes "there has been much speculation about gangs at Triton Regional High School."

Jim Walsh; (856) 486-2646; jwalsh@gannettnj.com