Family Of Teen Killed In School Assault 'Don't Fall Victim To Scams'
WILMINGTON, DE (CBS) – The family of the teenage girl who died following a serious assault at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware has yet to escape the horror that has become their reality.
In a statement issued by the Wilmington Police Department, on behalf of the family, they addressed and condemned social media users who they say, "want to gain money and social fame," off of their family's loss.
Police say 16-year-old Amy Joyner- Francis died after an assault in the bathroom of Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware. Authorities said her injuries were so severe she had to be airlifted to DuPont Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
In the statement, the family started by saying they are still very hurt from the loss of Amy and they appreciate the "outpouring of love," and "warm words," they've received from everyone so far.
However, the statement, written by Amy's brother Anthony Joyner, was meant to warn supporters that, "they should not fall victim to the scams going on around the internet."
Joyner stated that he was the only one on social media and that other family members, including Amy's mother, father, and other brothers do not have accounts.
"All others will be fake," he said.
When referencing fake pages, Joyner claimed that some people have gone as far as to misidentify themselves as Amy's sister. In the statement Joyner made it clear to supporters that she in fact does not have a sister.
"They are fake pages and accounts are spreading hateful lies, so please do not lose your money or entertain the lies of these cruel people."
Joyner said the family has not, and will not set up any fundraisers or GoFundMe accounts.
Anyone who would like to make a donation in Amy's name can visit the Congo Funeral Home in Wilmington.
The Department of Justice released the following statement regarding the investigation:
Prosecutors from the Department of Justice are continuing to provide support to the Wilmington Police Department's investigation of the death of Amy Inita Joyner-Francis. That investigation is ongoing, and includes multiple witness interviews, reviews of physical evidence, communication devices, and social media posts, and consultation with the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Decisions about criminal charges will be made when the investigation is complete.
On Wednesday night, a meeting was held for parents at Howard High School of Technology.
Sonja Capers, parent at the school, spoke with Eyewitness News as she prepared to attend that meeting. "They need to stop this and they need to be arrested too, cause why you all doing this?"
