JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than a dozen students accused of attacking another student after football practice at a Jacksonville school have been issued juvenile civil citations and face possible charges, according to Duval County Public Schools (DCPS).
DCPS said in a statement to News4JAX on Tuesday that 13 students accused of being involved in the attack on an 11-year-old student in a locker room have been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for misdemeanor battery charges.
The student’s grandmother spoke to News4JAX on Monday and said the beating happened late last month and left her grandson injured and afraid to return to school. She shared photos showing her grandson’s injuries and a medical report detailing his back and shoulder pain and a sprained ankle.
She said the family believes the attack happened because her grandson was set to become the team’s running back.
Her grandson told her his teammates lied, said it was his birthday, then picked him up, threw him in the trash and “started beating on me.”
The district previously said DCPS police and the school were investigating.
The grandmother said she wants the district to ensure adult supervision in all locker rooms to prevent similar attacks.
On Tuesday, DCPS said it “has established procedures for adult supervision in locker rooms and other school facilities,” but did not elaborate.
“We are reviewing and strengthening our protocols to ensure consistent adherence and to maintain a safe, supportive environment for every student,” a spokesperson said.
The State Attorney’s Office is taking over the case and will review whether any further actions within the juvenile justice system are necessary, DCPS said.
News4JAX reached out to the state attorney’s office asking how they will determine if the students get misdemeanor battery charges.
They responded in part saying:
...If the teens received a juvenile civil citation and signed it, they would then proceed to Teen Court. If they did not sign the juvenile civil citation, our office would then review the case for potential charges and I would not be able to comment at this time."
David Chapman, Communications Director, State Attorney's Office, 4th Circuit
News4JAX reached out to the family for comment on the updates, but they said they could not talk because they have been speaking with an attorney about possible litigation.