Amy Joyner: Charges Expected Against Students Who Killed Teen In School Restroom

Amy Joyner, 16, was killed during a fight in a high school restroom last week. On Monday, Wilmington, Delaware, Police Chief Bobby Cummings announced authorities have identified three persons of interest in the teen’s brutal death. During the news conference, Cummings also confirmed criminal charges are expected before the end of the week.

On Thursday, April 21, Amy Joyner was confronted by two female classmates in a ladies restroom at Howard High School of Technology. The heinous attack was captured on a video, which was recorded on a witness’ cellular phone.

Daily Mail reports the unidentified teens verbally confronted Amy “over a boy” when they entered the restroom. Two of the teens then proceeded to brutally beat Joyner with their fists, while a third teen recorded the assault. At some point, one of the attackers reportedly “slammed her head against a sink.”

Although Amy Joyner was not immediately killed, she was transported to A.I. DuPont Children’s hospital after complaining of chest and head pain and eventually losing consciousness.

Unfortunately, it was simply too late. The teen was pronounced dead before she arrived at the medical facility.

As reported by CBS News, Police Chief Bobby Cummings does not believe the teens expected to kill Amy Joyner. However, the girls were identified as persons of interest and criminal charges are expected in the 16-year-old’s beating death.

Detectives are currently examining “social media posts, phone communications, and interviews with witnesses” to determine the severity of the charges.

Amy Joyner’s brutal death at the hands of her classmates stunned the community.

According to an official statement, which was published on the Howard High School of Technology website, parents were informed about the situation via an automated phone message on Sunday.

As stated in the message, the school board scheduled information meetings for parents of students on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, classes resumed on Monday, with counselors available to parents, students, and members of the staff.

Darius Brown, who organized Monday’s town hall, said the meeting was expected to “give some sense of security and assurance about the climate of the school and us moving forward.” However, many parents, including Michelle Booker, said they are terribly concerned about their children’s’ safety.

Authorities and school officials insist the beating was an isolated incident, and the other students were not in danger of being physically harmed.

Amy Joyner’s death is a grim reminder that bullying is an ongoing issue, which plagues schools throughout the United States.

Although many schools have implemented aggressive anti-bullying programs, which have reportedly decreased verbal and physical attacks by as much as 25 percent, an estimated 22 percent of children are still being bullied throughout the school year.

The National Bullying Prevention Center reports a majority of children and teens are bullied about their looks and their race.

In an addition to the emotional and mental toll, bullying often causes academic issues. In the worst cases, the students are seriously injured or killed by their attackers or are driven to commit suicide.

Candles burned the am after Thurs night vigil for #AmyJoyner, 16. The Howard High student died after a fight. pic.twitter.com/FpyFrqjmFh

— Justin Finch (@JustinFinchCBS3) April 22, 2016

It is unclear whether Howard High School of Technology has an anti-bullying program or whether the persons of interest were in attendance.

Amy Joyner’s death many not have been intentional. However, authorities said the attackers will be held responsible for the brutal beating. The teen’s wake took place on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at St. Paul AUME Church in Wilmington. Several informal memorial services are scheduled throughout the remainder of this week.

[Image via Kimira/Shutterstock]