Judge keeps accused teens jailed after video shows laughter during murder plot arrest

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Two Central Florida teenagers accused in a disturbing murder plot will remain behind bars after a judge denied them bond, citing video that shows the girls laughing as they were taken into custody.

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Valdez and 14-year-old Lois Lippert appeared before a Seminole County judge after prosecutors played footage of the pair joking and smiling on their way to jail. In the video, the teens make light of their arrest, laugh about taking a “bonding experience” mugshot, and comment on how they felt “excited” about the situation. Prosecutors argued the recording demonstrates that both girls pose a danger to the community.

March 12, 2026 — Two Seminole County, Florida teens, Isabelle Valdez and Lois Lippert, were denied bond after prosecutors showed a video of them laughing and joking on the way to jail, which the judge said demonstrated why the girls—accused of plotting to murder a fellow student because he resembled the Sandy Hook shooter—should not be released. (CNN Newsource)

According to investigators, Valdez allegedly recruited Lippert to help kill a fellow student. Detectives say the victim was targeted because he resembled the gunman responsible for the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting—someone they say Valdez had become obsessed with. Authorities allege the teens planned to attack the victim in a school bathroom, slit his throat, and drink his blood.

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During the hearing, Lippert’s parents took the stand, offering to supervise their daughter at home under strict restrictions. Her father told the judge that even his work computer is locked down to the point that he cannot access basic websites. Despite the family’s testimony, the judge ruled that releasing either girl would be too risky in light of what the video revealed.

Outside the courthouse, both families declined to speak with reporters.

The teens can be heard in the footage expressing little remorse for the allegations, with one stating she did not feel guilty for her actions and another saying the only person she felt sympathy for was her mother.

Both Valdez and Lippert have pleaded not guilty. Their parents and attorneys have not offered public comment.