California schoolboy dies from injuries after bullies sucker-punched him, smashed his head on concrete pillar
MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: A 13-year-old middle school boy who was punched in the head by two bullies and hit a concrete pillar headfirst when he fell has died from his injuries.
We had previously reported that the student, identified only as Diego, was in critical condition after a video of the horrific attack on September 16 at Landmark Middle School showed him being hit in the face by one of the bullies, and then punched in the side of the head by another.
After getting punched, the teen fell backward and smashed his head against a concrete pillar. He was rushed to the hospital by deputies who responded to the scene at around 10 am, and his family had asked that everyone pray for a miracle.
However, his condition deteriorated further in the following days, and he was pronounced clinically dead on Tuesday, September 24.
"The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is saddened to share that the 13-year-old victim from Landmark Middle School was pronounced clinically dead last night as a result of injuries sustained in the attack on Monday, September 16, 2019," stated the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Office in a press release confirming his death.
The release added, "Rigorous medical intervention and treatment efforts at an area hospital were unsuccessful. Preparations by Diego's family are underway for organ donation to transform this tragedy into the gift of life for other children."
In another statement, Moreno Valley Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez expressed his condolences to the family. "On behalf of the City Council, I want to extend my sincere condolences to Diego's family and friends."
"No one should have to endure the pain of such a terrible loss," he said and added, "This is a life-changing tragedy for everyone involved, including the staff and students at Landmark Middle School."
Parents of other students have been demanding answers from the school in the wake of the disturbing attack. "Was the school aware that Diego was being bullied and was mentioned on social media?" one parent asked. "And if so, why was nothing done?"
Another parent, Leonardo Gonzalez, added, "Bullying in Moreno Valley is an ongoing issue and every time it's brought up, it's swept under the rug." The two suspects who were arrested and charged with assault likely to produce great bodily harm remain in the custody of Riverside County Juvenile Hall.
However, the sheriff's office has asked that anyone with further information regarding the incident contact investigator Joshua Manjarrez on 951-955-2777, assigned to the Central Homicide Unit or investigator John Tometich on 951-486-6700, assigned to the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station Investigation Bureau.