Two fifth-grade boys in Washington state are each being held on $100,000 bond after a conspiracy to commit murder was uncovered when weapons were found in one boy’s backpack.

The boys, aged ten and eleven, are expected to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder last week after a gun and knife were found in their possession. Classmates allegedly heard of their plans to kill an 11-year old girl who had “been mean to them” and went to school authorities. The boys also allegedly promised $80 to at least one student to keep quiet about their plans and, upon questioning as to why they had the weapons on school property, admitted they were planning to kill the girl and six other students. Details about their motives haven’t been released.

“These young men conspired to kill,” prosecutor Tim Rasmussen said. “It was interrupted by the bravery of a fourth grader who saw something and said something … and interrupted a murder.”

The story has shocked parents and residents in the Washington town of Spokane, including the school superintendent, who says he “can’t wrap his mind around it”. The boys also face charges of possession of a firearm and witness tampering; their court date is set for February 20th.