13-Year-Old Allegedly Punched at School Dies From Injuries
The 13-year-old boy, who has been identified as Diego, fell and hit his head on a concrete pillar.
A California middle school student who was allegedly punched in a fight at school has died from injuries.
The 13-year-old boy, who has been identified as Diego, fell and hit his head on a concrete pillar after allegedly being struck in the head by another student on Sept. 16.
On Tuesday, he died from his injuries, the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station said. A vigil was held for the teen on Wednesday night and many of his classmates at Landmark Middle School turned out.
"Preparations by Diego's family are underway for organ donation to transform this tragedy into the gift of life for other children," the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
The school district is coming under fire for their response to Diego’s death, which many have said is the result of bullying. The district's superintendent, Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, attended the vigil, where tensions were high.
“What did the school district do? Nothing,” one woman told KCBS. “What did the school district do a week before when the mother came pleading for her son’s life? They did nothing. Where is the superintendent?”
A video clip of the attack that has been widely circulated shows the teen being punched in the face by another student.
"Our community and the Moreno Valley Unified School District family has suffered an immeasurable loss," said Kedziora at a press conference Wednesday. "On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved student."
Kedziora also told reporters extra security has been put in place at the school now. Two kids who were reportedly involved in the fight remain in juvenile custody after being arrested on suspicion of assault. The case is still under investigation.
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