Izabel Laxamana: Police Reveal Real Reason Girl Jumped From Bridge, Wasn’t Public Shaming Video

A 13-year-old girl, Izabel Laxamana, committed suicide by jumping off of a bridge in Tacoma, Washington, on May 29. After the startling death, friends and parents from Izabel’s school immediately began discussing what could have driven the young girl to take her own life. The majority of the comments surrounded a video that was allegedly published by her father as a form of public shaming. The girl was standing next to a pile of her hair as her father asked “if it was worth it?” The girl had her hair cut as a form of punishment for sending a suggestive photo to a boy. However, police claim that according to suicide notes left by Izabel, the public shaming video had nothing to do with the suicide and that charges are not expected to be filed against the father.

Fox 2 Now reports that Izabel Laxamana left a series of eight suicide notes to members of her family before jumping off of the bridge onto the busy interstate below. In the notes, the girl discussed personal shame for sending suggestive photos to a boy and that the photo would “haunt her forever.” The girl’s parents say that they cut Izabel’s hair as punishment for sending the suggestive photo to the boy, but that they did not post the photo online. Instead, the father says he sent the photo to Izabel as a reminder of the punishment. After the video was received, Izabel then shared the video with friends herself. At some point, one of the friends then posted the video online.

It was also noted by police that on the morning of her suicide, Izabel had received counseling at the school after hearing about the hair cutting video from her friends. Other students and parents from the school had noted that Izabel was “shamed” at school by administrators and was forced to withdrawal herself from the running as Student Body President. Police say that Laxamana was taken out of the running by school staff as she did not have permission from her parents to run, as is required by the school. However, they say that at no point was Izabel publicly shamed over the loud speakers at the school.

Since the incident and police investigation, Giaudrone Middle School released a statement regarding their actions taken to support Izabel that tragic day.

“Here is what we know and what happened in response. When Giaudrone Principal Billy Harris became aware of and viewed a concerning social media video that week involving Izabel – a video not related to any other students – it was responsibly and professionally addressed. A Child Protective Services report was made and Izabel received counseling support at school.

Since Izabel’s death, a number of detrimental rumors are spreading that misrepresent the actions of the dedicated staff at Giaudrone. The perpetuation of these rumors creates additional trauma for students and staff members, and undermines the caring response to this tragic event.

The allegation that the principal or any staff members at Giaudrone shamed Izabel is false. Many of these rumors center on whether Izabel was prevented from running for an ASB office. Izabel did not have parental permission to participate as a candidate – a necessary requirement. No announcement was made regarding Izabel’s lack of participation in elections.

Additionally, Giaudrone and district staff were unaware of any current student-to-student harassment, intimidation or bullying of Izabel at school.”

The Tacoma Police Department say they are in the process of closing the case and do not expect to file any charges against Izabel Laxaman’s family members, including her father.

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