Jada West, Georgia 12-year-old girl attending Mason Creek Middle School in Douglas County dies after getting into fight with another girl after getting off school bus as her family claim she was being bullied since starting new school as they now demand answers, accountability and justice as police now investigate.
The family of a 12-year-old Georgia girl who died from a brain injury after a fight breaking out involving another school girl as their daughter was getting off a school bus have demanded accountability and justice for their daughter.
Jada West passed away just days after she suffered severe head trauma as the 12-year-old attending Mason Creek Middle School was getting off the school bus on Thursday, March 8. Come Sunday, her family announced that Jada had mortally succumbed to her injuries after allegedly being assaulted by one of her classmates.
Videos circulating on social media (see below) show West fighting with another student. Although it appears she was able to walk away after the fight, she was rushed to a hospital soon after collapsing on the ground.
12-year-old Georgia girl’s family demand answers and justice
The girl’s family allege the incident follows relentless bullying involving another school girl as now the Villa Rica Police Department investigate, WSB-TV reports.
Police said the confrontation happened off campus shortly after West got off her school bus in Douglas County. No charges had been announced as of Monday, and investigators have not released an official cause of death, saying the case remains open.
Speaking to FOX5, the girl’s parents said Jada was a new student at the school and had been a victim of school bullying since the beginning of the year.
‘I don’t understand,’ said Jada’s mom, Rashunda McLendon as the girl’s parents are demanding answers and accountability.
‘I’m angry. We have to teach our children. I’m angry. What happened to the love? We lost our love, people. Teach your children to love,’ McLendon said.
Jada was standing her ground against bullying when she was attacked
To date it remained unclear what led to the fight as shared video appears to show Jada standing her ground against a group of other children who had encroached upon her before a gun suddenly lurching forward and attacking Jada. To date authorities have not released other names.
According to West’s aunt, De’Quala McClendon, the argument began at school and continued on the school bus.
Wrote the aunt in a Facebook post in part, ‘Someone who has never been in trouble or a fight but stood her ground against a bully… she is only 12 she’s a good kid.
‘She need all of us to stand for her. We need answers… We want justice.’
Villa Rica police and the district attorney’s office are examining videos from the fight to determine whether charges are warranted.
Is school liable for failing to reign in school bullying?
In a statement, the Douglas County School System said it was ‘deeply saddened by the passing of a student at Mason Creek Middle School’ and extended its condolences to West’s family and loved ones. The district emphasized that the incident ‘did not occur on school property or during school hours’ and said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of Villa Rica police.
The district said a crisis team of psychologists and counselors will be available at Mason Creek Middle School to support grieving students and staff. Community members and classmates have posted tributes to West on social media, remembering her as a bright and spirited girl whose life was cut short.
A cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.
Police are urging anyone with information or video of the altercation to contact investigators as they work to determine what led to the deadly encounter as prosecutors now seek to uncover if charges will be brought forward.
