A female seventh-grade student from Terrell's Herman Furlough Middle School died early Friday, November 30, 2012. The reason behind her death is still unknown.
A female seventh-grade student from Terrell's Herman Furlough Middle School died early Friday, November 30, 2012. The reason behind her death is still unknown.
*Updated 12.2 7:37 p.m. Terrell community mourns the death of 12-year-old girl, Zusette Moreno
Fellow students and their parents are saying that she was being bullied and that she was involved in an altercation during school. Many believe that the altercation led to her death on Friday, just days after the alleged attack. Terrell's Chief of Police, Jody L. Lay, stated in a press release that “There have been no reports to Terrell Police or the Terrell ISD Police of an assault of this nature involving a student at the ISD. Additionally, neither law enforcement agency has received any reports of an assault against a child by either emergency responders, doctors or emergency room personnel of an assault against a child, as they are required by law.”
The City of Terrell and the Terrell ISD expressed their condolences to the family of the student and said that “Terrell ISD provided grief counseling for students on campus Friday, November 30 and will continue to provide services to our students. This was a terrible tragedy for the family, the school district, the City of Terrell and the entire community.”
“The Terrell ISD Police routinely investigates rumors of bullying and assault. Consequently, rumors surrounding this event have been investigated as well and will continue to be investigated.”
A vigil for the student has been setup by classmates at the Herman Furlough Middle School's sign in front of the campus where flowers, teddy bears, and signs have been left for her. Classmates at the vigil on Saturday said that Friday would have been her 13th birthday. The student's family has not provided a statement to the media.
As far as an investigation is concerned, TPD said that the matter is a Terrell ISD matter. TISD Chief of Police Gary Mork told the Terrell Tribune that “the district has found no evidence of a criminal offense or physical altercation in connection with the death.”
Persons with information concerning a crime are encouraged to provide information by calling Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPSKCC (847-7522) or click on “Crime of the Week” at the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers website at http://kaufmancountycrimestoppers.org/ . Crime Stoppers tips are always confidential and can result in awards of up to $1000.00 if they lead to an arrest.
