May 23rd 2024.
In a recent ruling, a judge in St. Louis has determined that 15-year-old Maurnice DeClue will not be tried as an adult for the severe beating of her classmate, Kaylee Gain. The decision maintains that the case will remain within the juvenile justice system. This comes after a juvenile officer testified in May, claiming that 16-year-old Gain was a persistent bully who had tormented DeClue. The officer also stated that Gain had thrown the first punch in the altercation that took place on March 8th.
According to sources familiar with DeClue, she was an exceptional student with no prior behavioral issues. During the hearing, the defense called upon multiple witnesses, including teachers who had taught both girls. These witnesses vouched for DeClue's impeccable behavior and academic achievements. DeClue's Spanish teacher, Richard Bly, described her as a "model student" and confirmed her outstanding grades, which had even allowed her to skip a grade.
At the hearing, DeClue's mother expressed deep regret for the incident while also asserting that her daughter had acted in self-defense. "My family and I have been praying for Kaylee Gain," she stated. "I truly believe that my daughter was simply defending herself and had no intention of causing such harm." She also added, "We are all deeply sorry for what happened."
It was revealed that Gain had previously been suspended for fighting another student the day before the altercation with DeClue. In previous coverage by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Gain's father, Clinton Gain, had shared text messages between the two girls, indicating that they had mutually agreed to the physical confrontation. The tensions between their friend groups at Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis may have also played a role.
According to the Daily Mail, Clinton also shed light on his daughter's difficult upbringing, which had been impacted by parental substance abuse and a period of dysfunction between himself and her mother, April Nordstrom. This context aligned with the assessment of the juvenile officer.
The disturbing video of the incident showed DeClue repeatedly slamming Gain's head into the sidewalk, causing her to suffer a skull fracture and brain hemorrhaging. During the hearing, Gain's stepmother revealed that the assault had left her with significant challenges and forced her to relearn basic skills like walking and speaking. She also continues to struggle with memory gaps and must wear a custom-fitted protective headgear to protect her injured brain.
In related news, a high school student in Georgia recently graduated with honors despite facing numerous challenges. In an interview, the student stated, "It taught me the importance of being accountable for my actions."
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