Classmate says boy who died by suicide was told he’d be ‘better off dead’
A criminal investigation continues after a 14-year-old boy died by suicide just a week before Christmas,
According to the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, it received a Crime Stoppers tip alleging the teen was bullied before his death.
Sheriff Jeff Travis said it is not common for his office to open a criminal investigation into a suicide, but this case is different.
Investigators said the boy shot himself with a pistol.
“He was a very nice kid. He had a sweet soul. And he was always getting bullied at school,” Gavyn’s classmate, who asked that his identity be concealed because he fears he will also be bullied if his identity is revealed, said.
The minor, who spoke with family consent, is cooperating with investigators who are looking into Gavyn’s death.
In the days following the teen’s death, Travis said his office received a Crime Stoppers tip that Cunningham had been the target of bullying.
According to Travis, that tip triggered the criminal investigation by his office.
The sheriff said the bullying ranged from calling him “sped,” short for special education, to calling the child autistic.
Louisiana state law prohibits certain forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. If convicted, an offender could face a $500 fine and up to six months in prison.
The student said he wants the sheriff’s office to get to the bottom of what happened to his friend because Gavyn went to the adults at the school about the bullying, but he didn’t receive help.
“They didn’t believe him. They said he was always lying,” the student said.
Travis said his detectives are scheduled to interview school leaders and students this week.
Officials with the East Feliciana Parish School System have not immediately responded to an interview request regarding the situation.
Source: https://www.wflx.com/
