Prosecutors will not pursue criminal charges against the 10-year-old boy accused of purposely hitting another student in the head during a dodgeball game at school.
Wayne County assistant prosecutor Maria Miller emphasized in her statement that the young child was never arrested during the unfolding of events and that her decision to dismiss charges was not based on public outrage, according to CBSNews.
Miller further noted that there are other options for juveniles that did not involve prosecution, and said she hoped the family of the two students can work towards a resolution.
“While the charge, in this case, is certainly sustainable, I have instructed my staff to dismiss this case today,” Miller wrote in her statement.
Despite her decision, Miller said that “the mother of the alleged victim had every right to go to the authorities and the authorities had an obligation to investigate,” insisting that it was not about race.
Bryce, the 10-year-old who faced charges in the incident, is Black, while the other boy who remains unidentified is white.
When this case was reviewed by my office, no one paid attention to the race of either party,” Miller said.
The incident started on April 29th at Ruth Eriksson Elementary in Canton, Michigan. Cameishi Lindley said that Bryce was playing dodgeball when the other student, who has a medical condition that makes head injuries especially dangerous, was injured and sustained a concussion.
“He sustained facial tissue damage to his face. He had a black eye and a bruised nose,” the other parent said.
Lindley started a Facebook fundraiser to help with Bryce’s attorney fees, but that has since been closed in light of the new developments.
“By now, I hope you all have heard the news. THE CHARGES AGAINST BRYCE WERE DROPPED!! Praise God! These reckless charges should’ve never been filed against a child whose brain isn’t even fully developed yet, at such a young, tender age,” Lindley wrote in an update on the fundraiser page.
Lindley also called out Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy, saying that “criminalizing any child for playing TIPS/Dodgeball during recess is completely and utterly, ridiculous. AND YOU KNOW IT.”
” I AM URGING ALL OF YOU, to contact Kim Worthy’s office and demand change!! Sweeping these types of issues under the rug doesn’t make it alright nor does it change anything. It makes matters worse,” she added. “Meanwhile, at the ranch…Bryce, my nearly straight A student, is trying to process what has happened as best as he can. But, please continue to pray for us.”
Lindley added her whole-hearted thanks to those who reached out and supported her and her son during this time, and asked them for suggestions as how to use the remaining funds “(e.g. refunds, not-for-profit organization that will be created to help others like Bryce, an educational fund 529 be created for Bryce—Yes, he’s nearly an all A student, etc.) Please comment and we’ll go from there.”
“Each and every single one of you have touched our hearts and souls. Words can’t even express how I feel as a mother,” she continued. “We Thank you. No matter whether you prayed, donated, texted, called, private messaged, shared posts, hugged us, or just empathized. IT WAS ALL FELT.”