Lawyers for the mother of an eight-year-old boy who killed himself say he was bullied at school just two days before he died.
Cornelia Reynolds' lawyers obtained police records that showed her son Gabriel 'Gabe' Taye was beaten unconscious in a school bathroom at Carson Elementary School in Ohio on January 24.
School officials allegedly initially told the boy's mother he only fainted.
Surveillance video, which has not been released publicly, shows a boy punching and assaulting other students before Gabe walked in.
The video then shows Gabe being attacked before he is left lying on the ground unconscious for more than seven minutes, until an assistant principal and school nurse came to his aid.
The school spokeswoman says the school had zero reports of bulling that year before the incident.
Ms Reynolds says there weren't many clues her son was being bullied, but is calling for justice.
A family lawyer says Ms Reynolds is devastated that her son's last day was so painful.
A GoFundMe page was set up for Ms Reynolds to help with funeral costs and support, which raised more than US$7000 (NZ$10,000).
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, call:
- Lifeline on 0800 543 354
- Suicide Prevention Helpline on 0508 828 865
- Youthline on 0800 376 633, text 234 between 8am and midnight or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- 0800 WHATSUP (9428787) children's helpline between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and 3pm to 10pm on weekends; online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm each day on the whatsup website.
- Kidsline 24/7 on 0800 543 754 for children aged five to 18. A Kidsline buddy will be available between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays.
Newshub.
