Investigation Continues After 12-Year-Old Villa Rica Student Dies Following Fight, Family Demands Answers
DOUGLAS COUNTY GA, Police are investigating the death of a 12-year-old Mason Creek Middle School student after her mother said the girl suffered a brain injury following a fight with another student after getting off a school bus.
The girl, identified as Jada West, attended Mason Creek Middle School. Authorities said the investigation is being handled by the Villa Rica Police Department.
School officials said the incident did not occur on campus and happened outside school hours.
Videos circulating on social media show West fighting with another student. Although it appeared she was able to walk away after the fight, she was rushed to a hospital shortly afterward.
Villa Rica police and the district attorney’s office are reviewing videos from the fight to determine whether any charges may be filed. West’s family has asked that the video not be shared publicly.
Rashunda McLendon, West’s mother, said she is still struggling to understand the loss of her only child.
“I don’t understand,” McLendon said.
West’s mother said her daughter had recently started attending Mason Creek Middle School and had reportedly experienced bullying since enrolling.
On March 5, West allegedly got into an argument on the school bus, which later escalated into a physical fight near her home. One of West’s friends reportedly ran to alert her mother, who then rushed to the scene.
“And she was on the ground,” McLendon said while recalling the moment. “She wasn’t breathing.”
According to the mother, another girl at the scene claimed that West had struck first during the altercation.
West was initially taken to Tanner Medical Center before being transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where she later died on Sunday. Her family is currently awaiting the results of an autopsy.
“I’m angry. We have to teach our children,” McLendon said. “What happened to the love? We lost our love, people. Teach your children to love.”
Authorities say it remains unclear what led to the fight.
“We just want justice for my niece,” West’s aunt said. “This has got to stop. And we are going to keep saying Jada West’s name.”
Family members are also questioning why the other student involved in the fight was on the school bus, saying they believe the student does not live in the neighborhood or normally exit at that bus stop.
Following the student’s death, the Douglas County School System released a statement expressing condolences to the family.
The district said it is deeply saddened by the loss of a student from Mason Creek Middle School and extended sympathy to her family, friends, teachers, and classmates.
Officials emphasized that the well-being of students and staff is a top priority and said any situation that results in harm to a child is taken very seriously.
The district also stated that the incident did not occur on school property or during school hours and that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Villa Rica Police Department.
School officials said they are unable to release further details at this time in order to protect the privacy of the student and her family.
A crisis response team including psychologists and counselors will be available at Mason Creek Middle School to support grieving students and staff.
Police have not yet released additional information as the investigation continues. Authorities also said the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by investigators or the medical examiner.
The case remains under investigation and further updates are expected.
