Police find no evidence yet linking bullying to LA high school student’s death

HIGHLAND PARK, Calif. (KESQ) - Los Angeles police investigating the death of a 17-year-old student at Benjamin Franklin High School said Wednesday they have not identified evidence linking allegations of bullying to the student's death, but emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

Xavier Nungaray-Martinez died following a physical altercation at the Highland Park school Sept. 30, when he jumped from a fourth-story balcony at about 1 p.m.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office ruled the death a suicide, and said the teen suffered multiple blunt traumatic injuries to the head and torso.

The Los Angeles Police Department said Wednesday it was aware of social media and news reports alleging that bullying may have contributed to the student's death.   

"At this preliminary stage of the investigation, detectives have not identified evidence establishing a connection between allegations of bullying and the student's death,'' the department said.

Police cautioned that the preliminary assessment should not be interpreted as a final determination of the circumstances surrounding the death.

Detectives with the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division are continuing to examine other factors that may have contributed to the incident and are awaiting the final autopsy report.

The school, located in the 800 block of North Avenue 54, was placed on lockdown following the incident while investigators conducted a death investigation.

Students told reporters at the scene that Nungaray-Martinez was involved in a brief fight inside a classroom prior to the fall. Video aired by television news broadcasts showed two students in an altercation in the classroom, with a teacher standing between them trying to separate the pair.

One of the students punches the other in the face, knocking him to the ground. That student then got up and scrambled out of the classroom, apparently jumping over the balcony a short time later.

Students and community members hosted a vigil at the school the following evening as a memorial of candles, flowers and other remembrances continued to grow at the site. Family, community members and classmates came together to pay their respects.

Some criticized the school for re-opening the day after the tragedy, though the school did provide additional mental health professionals to offer counseling and support for students.  

The boy's stepmother told CBS Los Angeles that he was bullied regularly at the school but was afraid to speak up.   

"He was scared that he was going to end up getting punished instead of the bullies,'' she told the station.   

An LAUSD spokesperson provided the following statement to City News Service on Saturday:  

"Our hearts are with family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the Franklin High School community during this difficult time. Los Angeles Unified is working closely with the school, providing support and resources to students and staff who may be impacted by this loss.

"A District crisis team has been in place at the school, providing grief counseling and other mental health support to students and staff. These include individual counseling sessions, classroom visits, and referrals to services for those with more intense needs. They will continue to be onsite through the coming days,'' the statement continued.   

"Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.''   

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis released the following statement Saturday:

"I am heartbroken by the death of a Franklin High School student. My thoughts are with his family, friends, classmates and everyone at Franklin High School mourning this terrible loss. Every student deserves to feel safe when they walk into school. The reports about what happened, including concerns about bullying, are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously. Students and families who need support can contact Los Angeles Unified's Student & Family Wellness Resource Line at 213-241-3840.  

"The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Help Line is also available 24/7 at 800-854-7771 for mental health support and referrals. As the investigation continues, I will continue to follow what happened and remain focused on supporting Xavier's family and the school community affected by this devastating loss.''   

Ashtar Martinez, a student at the school, told CBS2 he had known Nungaray-Martinez since tenth grade.   

"It's tragic to see what happened to him because I saw him alive earlier during third period,'' he said. "For the family, my condolences to them, and I hope they get the justice they need.''

Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact detectives L. Garcia or J. Sanchez at 213-996-4109.