Four teenage girls from New Jersey have been charged for their involvement in a brutal attack that family members claim led to the suicide of 14-year-old Adriana Kuch.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, one of the girls has been charged with aggravated assault, another with harassment, and the remaining two with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.
The juveniles and their guardians have been served with a copy of the complaint and have been released until their future court appearances, said Billhimer.
The identities of the students have not been made public, but they are believed to be the same four girls who were previously suspended from the high school and charged with lesser crimes, with three being originally charged with third-degree felony assault, and the fourth with disorderly conduct.
The attack on Adriana was captured on video and showed the group viciously attacking her in the hallway of Central Regional High School as she walked with her boyfriend on February 1.
The attackers threw a drink at Adriana, kicked and punched her, dragged her down the hallway, pushed her into lockers, pulled her hair, and hit her with a 20-ounce water bottle as onlookers laughed.
In the 20-second video clip, someone can be heard shouting, “That’s what you get, you stupid a– b—h!” Adriana’s father revealed that one of the girls who recorded the attack sent her a text message taunting her about being drenched in “dripping blood” and getting beaten up.
Tragically, Adriana ended her life in a closet in her home in Berkeley Township shortly after receiving the message.
According to Michael Kuch, the individuals involved in the attack used the video to further harass and intimidate Adriana and make fun of her.
He believes that the relentless bullying, which continued even after her death, was a factor in Adriana’s suicide.
Kuch further alleges that one of the teenagers involved in the attack has been posting inappropriate Snapchat posts in recent days.
Other parents have also reported that bullying is a widespread problem at Central Regional High School.
One parent, whose daughter was allegedly jumped by students despite seeking help from staff, started a Change.org petition to stop the violence at the school and has received over 8,300 signatures.
On Friday, over 200 students gathered outside the school to protest the district’s perceived inaction.
The protesters were unhappy that the school failed to take any action, such as calling the police or ambulance, after Adriana was violently attacked, even though her father claimed she lost consciousness and was covered in bruises.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or in need of mental health support and reside in New York City, you can reach out for free and confidential assistance by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL. If you are located outside of the five boroughs of New York City, you can access 24/7 crisis support by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
