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Owatonna Schools Closed After Bomb Threats Linked to Teen Suicide

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. d-after-bomb-threats-linked-to-teen-suicide.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 0:52 GMT by koaa
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

OWATONNA, Minn. - February 7, 2026 - Owatonna Public Schools remained closed today, Saturday, February 7th, following a series of coordinated bomb threats received on Friday. While authorities continue their investigation, the threats are deeply unsettling and are believed to be connected to the tragic suicide of 16-year-old Liam Conejo-Ramos, who took his own life in August after enduring relentless bullying.

The Owatonna Police Department, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), is actively working to trace the origin of the threats and determine the individuals responsible. Chief Jody Goedtke emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a public statement, stating, "We are taking this matter extremely seriously." Authorities have not released details about the nature of the threats, but have confirmed their coordinated nature and link to the Conejo-Ramos case.

This incident underscores the enduring pain and trauma associated with bullying, and the ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate victim. Liam Conejo-Ramos' death sparked a community-wide conversation about the prevalence of bullying in schools and the need for more effective prevention and intervention strategies. The fact that threats are now being made, nearly four years after his passing, demonstrates how deeply this tragedy continues to resonate and the potential for grief and anger to manifest in destructive ways.

Owatonna, a city approximately 30 miles southeast of Minneapolis, has been grappling with the emotional aftermath of Liam's death since it occurred. School officials and community organizations immediately launched initiatives aimed at fostering a more supportive and inclusive school environment. These included increased anti-bullying programs, enhanced mental health resources for students, and training for staff on identifying and addressing bullying behavior. However, the current threats suggest these efforts, while important, haven't eradicated the underlying issues.

Experts in school safety and crisis management suggest that threats like these are often triggered by anniversaries or events that bring the original tragedy back into focus. The fact that these threats materialized in February, while seemingly unconnected to the August date of Liam's death, points towards a potential escalating tension within the community. Social media monitoring has become a crucial part of the investigation, as online platforms frequently serve as breeding grounds for inflammatory rhetoric and coordinated malicious activity.

Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the bomb threats raise broader questions about the role of social media in perpetuating bullying and online harassment. Cyberbullying has become an increasingly prevalent form of abuse, often extending beyond school hours and reaching victims in their homes. The anonymity afforded by online platforms can embolden aggressors and make it more difficult to hold them accountable.

The Owatonna School District has announced that counseling services are available for students and staff affected by the threats and the renewed trauma surrounding Liam's case. The district is collaborating with local mental health professionals to provide support and resources to those who need them. They've also established a tip line for anyone with information related to the threats.

The BCA's involvement suggests the complexity of the investigation. Tracing the source of the threats requires specialized expertise in cybersecurity and digital forensics. Authorities are likely examining IP addresses, email headers, and other digital footprints to identify the individuals responsible. The possibility of copycat threats is also being considered, prompting increased vigilance at other schools in the region.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of bullying and the importance of creating a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusion in schools. While the immediate priority is ensuring the safety of students and staff, it's equally crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to bullying and provide support for those who have been affected by it. The community of Owatonna is now facing the difficult task of healing old wounds while simultaneously safeguarding its future.