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No Charges Yet In Fatal DE Bathroom Beating

WILMINGTON, Del. (WJZ) -- It's the shocking case of a teenage girl beaten up in her Delaware high school. Her injuries were so severe she later died. Friday, police announced they are not prepared to file charges against the other teens suspected of carrying out this violent crime.

Ava-joye Burnett has more.

Folks in Wilmington aren't the only ones surprised that a child was beaten so badly in a high school bathroom, she ended up dead. People all over---including here in Maryland---are talking about this case.

The shocking case occurred about 20 minutes over the Maryland line. A 16-year-old girl was brutally attacked inside a bathroom at Howard High School of Technology. The brutal attack was recorded on camera and the 16-year-old star student, Amy Joyner-Francis, later died at a hospital.

"It's unfathomable that they could be that angry where no one can stop them. My blame is what happened to all the people that were all around that just let it go on?" said Johneeda Williams.

Friday, Wilmington police made an announcement that surprised many: at this point, they are not prepared to file charges against the three teenage girls suspected of beating Amy with their bare hands.

"Because there is still a lot of work left to do in terms of reviewing evidence and relevant facts, we are not in a position to file charges at this time," said Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cumming.

"I am glad they are taking their time, really reviewing this case and not just reacting, taking and placing these young ladies into incarceration because I think that is just going to make the situation worse," said one person who didn't want to be identified.

"I don't think that it should be taken lightly because this situation right here could be either an example or a copycat," said Darelene Willis.

The girls have not returned to school since the assault last Thursday.

A memorial is now growing in honor of the sophomore gone too soon. As investigators go through thousands of pages of evidence and interviews, the community is still coming to terms with the tragedy.

"You send your child to school and you think your child is going to come home and they are not going to be hurt, and this child unfortunately is dead. She's gone," Williams said.

Once the investigation is complete, charges could be brought in the case.

Joyner-Francis' funeral will be Sunday.

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