A 19-year-old Jonesboro man has been arrested after police say he posted a video online loading an AR-15 style rifle and making explicit threats referencing a school.
Eli Marshall Kelley, 19, is charged with threatening to commit acts of mass violence on school property, a Class C felony.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers received multiple complaints on Nov. 19 about a video posted to Instagram. In the video, Kelley reportedly loaded an AR-15 style rifle, placed it under his chin, waved the firearm while yelling threatening statements, and referenced finding the “nearest school.” The video caused alarm in the community, raising concerns for student safety.
During a police interview, Kelley admitted to recording and posting the video. The affidavit also notes that in 2022, as a juvenile, Kelley was investigated for threatening mass violence at a local school.
Kelley appeared in video court on Friday, where Judge Tommy Fowler set bond at $150,000 cash only, citing the seriousness of the charges and public safety concerns. The judge also ordered that Kelley cannot possess weapons, stay with family members who own firearms unless they are removed from the home, or be on school property.
Three family members were present during the hearing, visibly emotional. When asked if they wanted to give Kelley a message, one male relative said, “We love you, son.”
Kelley’s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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