Nine Charged In Teen’s Suicide And Charges For A 10th Possible

By Richard West on March 31, 2010, 6:49 am

On January 14th of this year a young teen girl, Phoebe Prince, was found by her sister in their apartment, expired due to an apparent suicide, and while this is very sad the investigation that followed the teen’s death is shocking. Massachusetts prosecutors have charged at least 9 teens for having involvement in this heartbreaking event.

The Months Leading Up To Her Suicide

Prosecutors are claiming that other students at the school she attended mentally and physically abused, even tortured, the girl until she thought she had no other options. At present there are 9 teens that have been charged with crimes including statutory rape, violation of civil rights resulting in bodily injury, disturbing a school assembly, and criminal harassment. Apparently these crimes were committed over a three month period and culminated on the day of Phoebe’s death.

The Bullying That Went Too Far

The harassment that Phoebe endured seems to have been fueled by a relationship with another student that had been ended six weeks earlier. On the day Phoebe carried out her suicide she had endured harassment, physical abuse, and assault. Prosecutors are saying that “The investigation revealed relentless activity directed toward Phoebe designed to humiliate her and to make it impossible for her to remain at school.” Also pointing out that this harassment went far beyond normal teen relationship issues.

 

How The Prosecutors Will Play Their Cards

Even though the Grand Jury handed the indictments out Friday, they weren’t publicly released until Monday, and more individuals may still yet be charged. Hamptonshire prosecutors are planning to charge all teens involved over 17 as adults. Others that won’t be charged as adults will face a juvenile judge that will have freedom to impose adult penalties, juvenile penalties, or a combination of both.

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3. Rutgers Suicide Sparks Debate Over Privacy, Hate Crime Legislation
4. New York City – Hate Crimes, Groups, And Now – Politicians
5. Government Study Showing Teens May Be On The Road To Alcoholism