Canada Journal – News of the World Articles and videos to bring you the biggest Canadian news stories from across the country every day
Amy Inita Joyner-Francis had previously tried to break up a fight at school, where she reportedly died in a row over a boy.
A Delaware community was left reeling after a teenage girl was fatally beaten by multiple students in the restroom of a high school just as morning classes were getting underway. The fatal fight, reportedly over a boy, occurred in the main-floor restroom at Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington.
The victim was identified by sources to the News Journal as 16-year-old Amy Inita Joyner-Francis, a sophomore at the high school. There were few officials details about what led to the homicide, but police said the altercation didn’t appear to be gang related.
A witness who was in the bathroom says during the fight, Francis-Joyner slipped and hit her head on the sink, falling unconscious.
“She was fighting a girl and then that’s when all these other girls started banking her – like jumping on her,” the student said. Police do not believe weapons were used. Two teens who were a part of the fight were taken in for questioning by police.
Soon after news traveled of the teen’s death, #RIPAMY trended on social media, following the passing of music icon, Prince. Shytera Dawkins, another friend of Amy described the 16-year-old as energetic and bubbly.
“All I wanted to do with my friend was walk across the stage and get our diplomas,” the 16-year-old said. “And now that dream is taken away because she’s not there.”
Officials also spoke to reporters about the tragedy. Attorney General Matt Denn called the news shocking.
“I’ve dealt with the details of a couple of dozen homicides, and they’re all tragedies,” Denn said. “But the brutal beating death of a child, allegedly at the hands of another child, in a school is shocking even to those of us whose daily work involves dealing with the aftermath of violence.”
Principal Stanley Spoor and Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams held a conference where they sent condolences to the teen’s family.
“My heart is broken,” Williams said. “I am so upset that a young lady lost her life today. Things like this shouldn’t happen. My heart bleeds for the family, the kids who go to this school and the administrators, and our city.”
Students are expected to return back to school tomorrow, but with an early dismissal. Grief counselors and mental health groups will also help students express their feelings on the incident.
Police are still investigating what actually caused the fight in the bathroom.
Agencies/Canadajournal
