A memorial service was held for a 16-year-old girl who died following a fight with other girls at a Wilmington, Delaware high school.
Loved ones of Amy Joyner-Francis offered their condolences to her family Sunday evening at St. Paul UAME Church in Wilmington.
On April 21, Joyner-Francis was involved in a fight with at least two other girls in a first-floor women’s bathroom inside Howard High School of Technology at the start of classes that day. After the fight, she complained about head and chest pain. A school resource officer called 911 and Joyner-Francis lost consciousness before medics arrived. CPR was performed as she was flown to a nearby children's hospital where she later died.
An autopsy was performed, but the results haven't been released because the investigation is ongoing, the coroner said.
Three girls who were considered persons of interest in the teen’s death were suspended by school officials but so far no charges have been filed.
"These things take time," Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cummings said of the investigation. "We are not at a position at this time to file charges."
The girl's death left the high school community reeling. Students held vigils and mourned their friend's death and parents flooded school officials with calls about student safety. The school held two nights of parent meetings to allay parent's fears.
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"It's very, very sad inside," said Wilmington mayoral candidate Steven Washington. "Everybody is hurting. The little kids, the high school students, there's a lot of them in there."
Cummings did not say when police may wrap up the investigation, but assured the community that it would be thorough.
During Sunday's memorial, friends, family and even strangers gathered to say goodbye.
“We’re all hurting,” said Marselino Candelaria, a family friend. “For your daughter not to come home or your son not to come home because you’re going to get an education and then nobody’s been charged yet. What’s going on in Wilmington?”
