Plea for teens to 'back-off' on social media after deadly attack on Wilmington teen
Wilmington, Del.(WTXF) A plea for teens to 'back-off' on social media after a deadly attack on a Wilmington teen.
The death of a 16-year-old Wilmington girl is sparking a "social media war," according to community leaders.
"We do not need another Amy on our hands," says Sherry Dorsey Walker, a Wilmington Councilperson and spokeswoman for the family of Amy Joyner-Francis. The honor roll student died after being assaulted in a bathroom at Howard High School for Technology on April 21.
City and religious leaders gathered at a the Bethel AME Church to call for calm since three classmates were charged in connection with Amy's death. They say threats of violence are coming from those who "want to retaliate" for the death of Amy Joyner-Francis.
"For those who are on social media and are claiming they are doing things in retaliation in Amy's name we are going to ask you to please stop," says Dorsey Walker.
FOX 29 is not naming the three girls because they are juveniles. Only a 16-year-old girl accused of hitting Amy repeatedly in the head has been charged with criminal negligent homicide. A crime that carries up to an 8 year sentence. Some have taken to social media to launch more threats of violence although those threats were not made public.
"Social media is not your friend, the lies, the rumors of a social media they live longer than they should," said Rev. Vincent P. Oliver, Pastor of New Calvary Baptist Church.
The teenagers death has many in Wilmington taking stock of safety in their city and schools.
"We need to teach kids conflict resolution to talk things out as opposed to violence," said Mike Rutland. The New Castle man picks up his 6-year -old son from Wilmington's YMCA every day. He says he worries about his grandson's future in the city.
Community leaders warn the wounds of Amy's death will take time. But add more violence is not the answer.
"Her friends. Her loved ones. Those who knew her. I challenge you to continue to stand on what you know to continue to spread her legacy," said Shanica Perry Youth Pastor for Bethel AME Church.
FOX 29 reached out to John Deckers the an attorney representing one of the 3 defendants in the case. Our calls were not returned.
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