The Tragic Death of Jocelynn Rojo Carranza: A Warning on the Dangers of Bullying
The 11-year-old Texas girl who died by suicide was bullied and told others she was touched "inappropriately," according to an investigation conducted by Gainesville school officials.
The Investigative Findings
Jocelynn Rojo Carranza died on February 8 after being hospitalized in Dallas for five days.
The Family’s Account
After Jocelynn’s death, her family learned that she was bullied with classmates threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on her parents. Her death drew national attention, with her parents saying school staff knew about the bullying but didn’t tell the family.
School District’s Response
Gainesville schools Superintendent DesMontes Stewart issued a summary of findings late Wednesday. He noted that the district alerted authorities about concerns from the investigation and that he met with the girl’s family to discuss the findings.
The Investigation’s Timeline
The school district only learned that Jocelynn was bullied after she was hospitalized in early February. Officials had previously known about bullying of others that she reported, according to the district. Multiple students told district staff during the investigation that Jocelynn told them she was being "touched inappropriately," but she "wished to keep this a secret to avoid getting them in trouble."
The School’s Inaction
The school then alerted the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services upon learning this information. Despite the mother saying publicly that she didn’t know Jocelynn was seeing a school counselor, Stewart said the district had a signed permission slip authorizing her participation. She attended seven sessions between October and January.
The Investigation’s Conclusion
The investigation was concluded on February 12, and the district notified Jocelynn’s mother about the bullying.
Mental Health Experts’ Perspective
Mental health experts say reasons for suicide are complex. Bullying and feelings of hopelessness are risk factors among children and adolescents, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Mental Health Resources
Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: 972-525-8181 or HereForTexas.com
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour crisis hotline at 800-273-8255. Confidential online chat is available at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Crisis Text Line: To get 24-hour support, text "HOME" to 741741. More information at crisistextline.org.
North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: 24-hour crisis hotline. 866-260-8000 or ntbha.org.
Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000, 800-273-8255 or sccenter.org.
FAQs
Q: What was Jocelynn Rojo Carranza’s age at the time of her death?
A: 11 years old
Q: What were the circumstances surrounding Jocelynn’s death?
A: Jocelynn died by suicide after being hospitalized in Dallas for five days. The exact circumstances of her death are still under investigation.
Q: What was the school’s response to the bullying allegations?
A: The school district alerted authorities about concerns from the investigation and notified Jocelynn’s mother about the bullying.
Q: What are some risk factors for suicide among children and adolescents?
A: Bullying and feelings of hopelessness are among the risk factors, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
