Michigan Teen Pleads Guilty in Cyberbullying Case That Led to Texas Gamer’s Suicide
A Michigan teenager has pleaded guilty to cyberbullying a Texas teenager, who was found dead by suicide while still wearing a gaming headset in January. The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office said in a statement that the 16-year-old suspect “pled true to a felony charge of aiding suicide and a misdemeanor charge of harassment causing death”. The child in Texas died by suicide during an online game following alleged cyberbullying, authorities said. The suspect was identified through search warrants and interviews with members of an online gaming community in different states. The case was presented to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for review.
The investigation began in January when deputies were called to a home in the Lockeridge Farms subdivision in the Houston area for a report of a suicide, the agency said. The child was still wearing a gaming headset and “appeared to be online at or around the time of their death,” authorities said. Prosecutors said the suspect allegedly harassed the victim until the child committed suicide. The suspect took a plea deal and will remain on probation until he is 18.
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The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office takes investigations regarding cyberbullying seriously and will continue to investigate these cases to the fullest extent, the office said. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
The case highlights the dangers of cyberbullying and the need for parents to monitor their children’s online activities. Cyberbullying can have serious consequences, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. It is important to take action if you or someone you know is being bullied online. If you are a victim of cyberbullying, it is important to talk to someone you trust and seek help from a mental health professional.
