3 teens charged in death of student in bathroom assault
WILMINGTON, Del. -- Three teenage girls have been charged in connection with the death of Amy Joyner-Francis, who died after an assault in a school bathroom.
Joyner-Francis died after an assault on April 21 inside Howard High School of Technology.
One of the teens is charged with criminally negligent homicide. The other two are charged with criminal conspiracy.
The girls' names are not being reported, as they are juveniles. However, prosecutors are seeking permission to try the teen charged with criminal conspiracy as an adult in court.
Joyner-Francis did not suffer any serious internal or blunt force injuries, but instead died as the result of a pre-existing heart condition.
However, investigators from the Delaware Department of Justice said "the cardiac incident would not have occurred if she had not been assaulted."
Investigators went on to say that while all three girls planned the assault, only the girl charged with criminally negligent homicide actually hit Joyner-Francis.
Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams issued the following statement:
What happened at Howard High School is a tragedy. From the beginning, the Wilmington Police Department and the Department of Justice worked hand and hand to determine the appropriate charges. This is just the first step toward providing Amy's family and our community with closure. As this process moves forward, I ask that we keep the family and loved ones of everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers.
