Courage, helplessness but at the same time a sense of solidarity, are the feelings of a community that mourns the death of a teenager in a Riverside hospital after the brutal attack he received on September 16.
Diego, whose last name was not revealed, was attacked – according to a video – by two young people who remain in custody and who according to the authorities will be prosecuted.
The video of the attack went viral and shocked an entire community that now joins to raise funds for the funeral. A food sale, the only one endorsed by the family, is scheduled for Saturday in the city of Moreno Valley.
According to Jessica, in charge of the event for the benefit of the victim's family and who preferred not to reveal her last name, said that the death of Diego, who was only 13 years old, could have been avoided if the Moreno Valley Unified School District had acted instead of ignoring the problem.
“The family reported on several occasions that the child suffered from‘ bullying ’and the district did nothing… We demand answers,” he added.
Jessica commented that her daughter was traveling every day on the same bus Diego was riding on.
A young woman, under the user Sara-hitweetsHi on Twitter and who identified herself as Diego's sister, alerted the community on Friday about possible false money collections on the Internet.
“My family has not released any proceeds in GoFundMe. If someone looks at an account in your name, please report it, ”he said.
“I'm going to miss your laugh, your laugh, your kisses and hugs… Until we see each other again little brother. My heart is broken. My little brother Diego is already in a better place but he didn't deserve this. The school system failed him. I am frustrated, angry and sad that the harassment took his life, ”he said in several tweets.
For its part, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said it had detected at least one fraudulent page in memory of Diego, organized by Alex Marshall. The authorities clarified that the only collection approved by the family is that of Jessica.
This Saturday's event will consist of the sale of Mexican food and the entire product will be donated by the parents of Landmark School in
Moreno Valley
Law to reduce bullying
A few days after the attack on Diego, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that aims to minimize social harassment through early education.
What is sought with the
AB 34, authored by Assemblyman James Ramos, is to create a manual to prevent bullying that will be distributed to elementary schools and even among younger children.
"This is a great achievement for students and families throughout California and especially District 40. The tragic consequences of bullying and social intimidation have affected our community," Ramos said in a press release.
In August 2018, the “bullying” was responsible for four deaths of young people over a period of two weeks in District 40, which covers several cities in the region of
Inland Empire
The idea is that the manual be used as an educational resource by teachers, students, parents and administrators to minimize the problem.
The law will take effect during the 2020-2021 school year, Ramos' office added.
Where to go
In fundraising event for Diego's funeral will be Saturday, September 28 from 5:00 p.m. in the house, located in block 25328 Juanita Ave. Moreno Valley, CA 92551. Mexican food will be sold there.
