After 11-Year-Old's Suicide, School Confirms She Was Bullied — but Claims There’s More to the Story. Her Mom Denies It

Mar. 15, 2025

Jocelyn Rojo Carranza.Photo:Meador Funeral Homes

Meador Funeral Homes

Jocelynn was found unresponsive in her Gainesville, Texas, home on Monday, Feb. 3, the Gainesville Police Department confirmed in a previouspress release. Five days later, she died at a local hospital. Her mom, Marbella Carranza, previously, alleged that her daughter had been bullied about her family’s immigration status, reportedCNN affiliate KUVN.

The district said the matter first came to the administration’s attention on Jan. 30, during a classroom visit. According to their statement, when the principal entered the room “the whole class was speaking about ICE”.

Jocelynn went on to speak to the principal about a “situation that occurred on the bus,” reporting that a student had been “making remarks regarding ICE and deportation to a group of Hispanic students,” according to the district.

According to the statement, school officials determined “this was not a one-time occurrence,” but did not provide any additional details.

The district said the student in question was interviewed and faced disciplinary actions in accordance with the district’s student code of conduct.

Afterwards, Jocelynn “appeared to have a positive remainder of the week and attended a birthday party on Saturday,” district officials said in the report.

The next day, students began reporting that Jocelynn and her brother had been bullied, which prompted an internal investigation on Feb. 6.

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“Given the presence of four other school-aged children in the home, GISD was legally required to report this to CPS. The CPS investigation is ongoing.” (PEOPLE contacted CPS on Thursday, Feb. 27, but a spokesperson said they don’t have any “public information in regards to this child.")

“Furthermore, it was disclosed that [Jocelynn] had previously expressed thoughts of selfharm to a cousin, who informed JRC’s mother,” according to the district which claimed that was never shared with them, which prevented them from providing necessary resources and intervention.

“I talk with my daughter about that, always. I ask. Nobody can touch your body. Nobody,” she told the outlet.

PEOPLE tried to reach Marbella for comment on Thursday, Feb. 27.

In their statement, the school district said that at her request, Jocelynn had a one-on-one meeting with a school counselor on Oct. 16 where she “shared concerns about getting in trouble at home and mentioned that her siblings called her names.”

According to the district, she “did not report any bullying.”

“While her mother initially stated she was unaware of her daughter’s participation, the district has a signed permission slip authorizing her involvement,” they claimed. According to the district, Jocelynn attended a number of sessions from Oct. 23 to Jan. 29.

The school district — which did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional comment — said they concluded their internal bullying investigation on Feb. 12.

“Gainesville ISD takes the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff very seriously. We remain committed to addressing concerns swiftly and consistently,” they added. “As a reminder, we ask that if any student sees, hears, or believes that a fellow student may need support, that they promptly alert a staff member or administrator so that appropriate resources can be provided.”

source: people.com