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Students Threatened by Man Blaming School for Loyola Soccer Player's Death

By Noah Hurowitz | November 18, 2015 7:41pm
 John Butler allegedly threatened to kill students and staff at the United Nations International School, blaming them for the death of a rival soccer player last month, police said.
John Butler allegedly threatened to kill students and staff at the United Nations International School, blaming them for the death of a rival soccer player last month, police said.
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DNAinfo/Shaye Weaver

KIPS BAY — A Midtown man threatened to kill students and staff at the United Nations International School, blaming them for the recent death of a Loyola student who succumbed to an injury from a soccer game between the two schools. 

John G. Butler, 44, hurled threats at a group of UNIS students, including several members of the school's soccer team, in front of the school at 2450 FDR Drive near East 25th Street at about 8 p.m. on Nov. 8, police said.

He called himself God and called the school evil, while making gun gestures with his hands, according to authorities. He then threatened to kill them and everyone else at the school, police said.

Butler blamed the United Nations International school for the death of 16-year-old Thomas Jakelich, a Bronxville teen who died in October after suffering a chest injury during a soccer game between the UN school and Loyola, where Jakelich was a junior.

Jakelich became ill after colliding with another player, and died of internal bleeding from his liver, according to news reports. The Medical Examiner is still investigating the cause of death.

Butler's motivation for the threats is unknown and there was no obvious connection between Butler and either school, police sources said.

Police arrested Butler three days after the threats, on Nov. 13. It was not clear where or how Butler was found.

Prosecutors charged Butler with making terroristic threats. He's being held at the Manhattan Detention Complex on $5,000 bail, court records show. He is due back in court on Dec. 14.

Officials at both schools declined to comment on Butler’s arrest.

Butler’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.