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November 16, 2009

No criminal charges in bullying case

Rachel Brown

No one will be charged at Murray County High School in connection with alleged bullying incidents David and Tina Long say led to their son’s Oct. 17 suicide.

The couple asked the Chatsworth Police Department to look into their son Tyler’s last days, saying he took his life because he was distraught over years of being bullied at school. They say the school system didn’t try to protect their son or adequately address their complaints, and they are considering filing a lawsuit against it.

Tina Long says she’s not giving up and will continue to work to raise awareness of the impact of bullying in school and the tragedy that can occur if it isn’t addressed. Tyler had Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism, which further complicated his situation, his parents said.

“We’re going to fight as long and hard as we have to to get bullying stopped,” Tina Long said.

Chatsworth police chief Terry Martin did not return several phone messages left on Friday. A written statement from detective Jim Whitehead said, “... After conducting interviews and reviewing videotapes, the police department has decided that no criminal charges are forthcoming in the case.

“The police department would like to send condolences to the Long family for the loss of their son. David Long, a retired military service member, and Tina Long, a registered nurse, (have) certainly served their community well, and losing their son is tragic for the family and community.”

School system administrative services director Dean Donehoo said he can’t comment on an individual student, but said the school system cooperated fully with the police department’s investigation until he was notified late last week that it was complete.

“Their investigation found nothing,” he said, adding the school system has no plans to change its current policy on dealing with bullying. Punishments vary but include placing bullies in an alternative school after the third offense. The policy is in the student handbook at http://www.murray.k12.ga.us/handbooks/Handbook.htm.



Statement from David and Tina Long

“We appreciate the investigation by the Chatsworth Police Department. The investigation brought awareness to the situation. From the numerous text messages, phone calls and e-mails we have received, we know that Tyler was bullied on a regular basis. Bullying does not always have to be physical. The worst kind of bullying is mental. Tyler’s voice will continue to be heard.”



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