TMP Reports
Posted: Thursday, October 9, 2008 5:42 pm

Justin J. Davis

MTSU student Justin Jamal Davis was charged this evening by MTSU Police and Murfreesboro Fire Department with making terrorist threats and arson Wednesday, said Murfreesboro Police spokesman Kyle Evans.

Davis, 19, of Antioch, was suspected of sending out threatening emails and setting fires to Miss Mary Hall residence hall Wednesday. He was charged with making the terrorist threats and three counts of arson.

In a press release, MTSU News and Public Affairs reported the student was brought to the MTSU Police Department as a possible witness Thursday afternoon. He was later developed as a suspect after speaking with investigators.

Investigators are working with Davis to establish a motive for the e-mails and fires. At this time, investigators believe Davis, a freshman majoring in the university's pre-professional dental hygiene program, was working alone.

"We are trying to establish a motive," Evans said.

The quick arrest was the result of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to keep the university safe, Evans said.

University officials expressed relief that no students, faculty or staff
were injured as a result of this security incident. They also thanked local,
state and federal law enforcement agencies for their excellent teamwork in the case.

Classes will still be cancelled Friday, Oct. 10, and students will
be expected to return to class on Wednesday, Oct. 15, after the scheduled
fall break. University offices will maintain normal business hours Friday
and for the duration of fall break.

Davis was booked into Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where he is being held on $500,000 bond. A hearing is set Nov. 25 in General Sessions Court.