April 22, 2016
Street View/Google Maps
Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware.
Police have identified the 16-year-old female high school student who died Thursday after reportedly being beaten to death inside Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware as Amy Inita Joyner-Francis, The News Journal reports.
According to the report, police were called to the school at about 8:18 a.m. on Thursday, and the Joyner was flown by medical helicopter to Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, where she was pronounced dead, officials said.
Authorities are currently investigating the situation, and Wilmington police are interviewing students who may have been involved in, or have close knowledge of, the situation. The girl's death is being referred to as a "homicide and violent crimes unit investigation."
RELATED ARTICLE: Upper Darby police recover loaded gun from locker at Bonner Prendie High School
At a press conference at the school, Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams was visibly emotional.
"I am so upset that the young lady lost her life today. Things like this shouldn't happen," Williams said. "My heart bleeds for the family, the kids that go to this school, administrators and the city."
There is no immediate word on how many students were involved in the physical altercation or what led to the girl's death. However, unconfirmed reports have been shared on social media stating the cause of fight may have been a boy.
6ABC interviewed a Howard High School student who said the fatal fight took place in the girls bathroom, and the victim was assaulted by at least two other girls and hit her head on a bathroom sink.
Witness tells me fight was one on one then others jumped victim. Victim hit head on sink then lost consciousness. pic.twitter.com/cKEOB8OvJp
— Chad Pradelli (@chadpradelli) April 21, 2016
Howard HS students have been dismissed after fatal beating inside the school. Students say it was over a boy. smh pic.twitter.com/nVwMs2OxpF
— Chad Pradelli (@chadpradelli) April 21, 2016
The News Journal reports the school has an enrollment of about 935 students in grades 9 through 12, according to the Delaware Department of Education.
The News Journal, WHYY and community groups were scheduled to host a mayoral debate on public safety at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the high school. That event was canceled out of respect for the family and community at Howard High.
This is a developing situation. Check back for updates. Read The News Journal's report here.
