Family seeks answers after 12-year-old Villa Rica student dies following fight

The Brief

A 12-year-old Mason Creek Middle School student has died after a reported fight with another student off school property.
Villa Rica police are said to be investigating the incident involving Jada West.
West’s family is questioning why the girl involved was allowed on the bus, as she does not live in the area.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. – Police are reportedly investigating the death of a 12-year-old Mason Creek Middle School student after her mother said the girl suffered injuries following a fight with another student after getting off a school bus.

The girl, identified as Jada West, attended Mason Creek Middle School. The investigation is being handled by the Villa Rica Police Department.

Jada West. Photo courtesy of family.

School officials said the incident did not occur on campus and took place outside school hours.

Videos circulating on social media show West fighting with another student. Although it appears she was able to walk away after the fight, she was rushed to a hospital soon after.

Villa Rica police and the district attorney’s office are examining videos from the fight to determine whether charges are warranted. West’s family has asked that the video not be shown.

Family seeks answers

What they’re saying:

Rashunda McLendon is still trying to come to grips with the loss of her only child.

“I don’t understand,” McLendon said.

West’s mother said she had just started school at Mason Creek and had to deal with bullying since starting.

On Mar. 5, West allegedly got into an argument on the school bus, and it escalated into a physical fight near her home. One of West’s friends reportedly ran to her home to tell her mother. McLendon then ran to the scene.

“And she was on the ground,” McLendon recalled through tears. “She wasn’t breathing,” McLendon said. A girl on the scene told her that West had hit her first.

West was transferred from Tanner Medical Center to the Children’s Hospital Scottish Rite, where she died on Sunday. Her family is awaiting autopsy results.

“I’m angry. We have to teach our children. I’m angry. What happened to the love? We lost our love, people. Teach your children to love,” McLendon said.

It is still unclear what led to the fight.

“We just want justice for my niece,” said West’s aunt. “This has got to stop. And we are going to keep saying Jada West’s name.”

The family is also questioning why the other girl was allowed on the school bus, as they understand the girl involved in the fight does not live in the neighborhood or get off at the bus stop where the fight occurred.

School district reacts

The Douglas County School System released the following statement following the student’s death:

The Douglas County School System is deeply saddened by the passing of a student at Mason Creek Middle School. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be remembered by her teachers, her classmates, and all who knew her.

The well-being of our students and staff is of primary importance to our school system. Any situation that results in harm to a child is one we take with the highest level of urgency.

This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity. Therefore, this matter is under the jurisdiction of the Villa Rica Police Department.

To protect the privacy of the student and her family, we are not able to share additional details at this time.

We recognize that this loss is being felt deeply across our school community. A crisis team consisting of psychologists and counselors will be available at Mason Creek Middle School on Tuesday to help grieving students and staff and provide a space for care and support. The Douglas County School System and Mason Creek Middle School remain fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every student in our care.

What’s next:

Police have not released additional details as the investigation continues. Additionally, a cause of death has not been confirmed at this time by police or medical examiner.