Judge’s Decision Frees Controversial Former Student Involved in Cyber Case

Judge with gavel and scales of justice behind.

A federal judge has granted the release of a transgender former student accused of making cyber threats against a Nashville school, prompting an outcry from the community.

At a Glance

Former Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) student Kalvin McClure was released to home incarceration.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Chip Frensley granted the release despite concerns.
McClure was arrested for cyberstalking in April following an investigation.
CPA Head of School Nate Morrow opposed McClure’s release.
McClure’s threats led to the temporary closure of CPA.

Judge Orders Release Despite Community Concerns

McKenzie McClure, formerly a student at Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA), was released to home incarceration following her arrest on charges of cyberstalking and threats against the school. This decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Chip Frensley has sparked widespread apprehension within the Nashville school community.

McClure, identified as “Kalvin” McClure, was apprehended in April after making a series of threats that included a voicemail referencing a Marvel movie and naming school staff members. These actions resulted in the temporary closure of CPA for safety reasons. Footage from security cameras showed McClure’s suspicious activities on campus, including making obscene gestures, which raised alarms among school authorities.

Why was this threatening transgender released from a psychiatric treatment center against the wishes of a Nashville Christian school, which she'd been allegedly stalking and targeting? She lives just blocks away from one of its bus stops. This sounds very worrisome. https://t.co/kVSHgEpOzY

— Rachel Alexander (@Rach_IC) September 14, 2024

Psychiatric Treatment and Release Conditions

Following her arrest, McClure was transferred to a psychiatric treatment facility where she was diagnosed with psychotic delusions. Mental health professionals testified to the court about her progress, highlighting that she was remorseful and adhering to her prescribed treatment. Based on this testimony, Judge Frensley decided to release her from the facility.

Despite these reassurances, CPA Head of School Nate Morrow and CPA parent Braden Boucek expressed strong opposition. They cited ongoing fears for the safety of students and staff, pointing to McClure’s history of alarming social media posts and erratic behavior. Boucek shared his grave concerns, saying, “I didn’t think there would be any response that could stop her if she was determined.”

The transgender who was indicted for cyberstalking a Christian school in Nashville was today ordered by a federal judge to be temporarily released to a mental health facility. https://t.co/zCzZhDGIvV

— MichaelPatrick Leahy (@michaelpleahy) June 3, 2024

Strict Supervision and Restrictions

The terms of McClure’s release are stringent. She must remain at her mother’s residence, refrain from approaching CPA or its church, and have no contact with any individuals related to the school. Additionally, she is required to continue her outpatient psychiatric treatment while staying close to a bus stop used by CPA students, a point that further stokes anxiety among parents.

Federal prosecutors have voiced concerns over McClure’s release, arguing that she fits the profile of someone likely to escalate toward violence. The FBI reviewed her social media activity, which included bizarre claims and posts denying she posed any threat but also referenced violent thoughts about her parents.

Similarities between McClure and Audrey Elizabeth Hale, the Covenant School killer, add to the community’s unease. Both individuals attended Presbyterian-affiliated schools, identified as transgender, and exhibited warning signs prior to their respective incidents. McClure’s threats surfaced just days before the anniversary of the Covenant School shooting, compounding the sense of crisis at CPA.