VILLA RICA, Ga. — Authorities in Georgia are investigating the death of a sixth-grade student who passed away several days after collapsing in the street following a physical confrontation with a classmate near her neighborhood bus stop.
Jada West, 12, died after being hospitalized following the Thursday afternoon incident in Villa Rica, a suburban community located approximately 30 miles west of Atlanta.
Police spokesman Sgt. Spencer Crawford announced Wednesday that investigators are examining evidence, including cellphone footage of the altercation, while waiting for autopsy findings. Authorities plan to consult with prosecutors later this week to determine potential charges.
The altercation involving Jada and a fellow Mason Creek Middle School student occurred at a neighborhood intersection close to the girl’s residence on Thursday afternoon, Crawford reported.
Cellphone footage shared by Jada’s aunt on social media reveals the school bus had already departed more than 90 seconds before any physical contact began. The recording shows both girls exchanging verbal taunts while maintaining distance, surrounded by watching classmates.
An unidentified voice can be heard asking, “Who is going to fight you over some noise?”
The footage captures both students simultaneously dropping their backpacks before approaching each other and exchanging blows. Within moments, they tumbled to the ground while grappling, with Jada falling backward and rolling over her head and neck area.
After both girls got back on their feet, an adult woman stepped in, instructing Jada to return home. The video concludes with Jada retrieving her backpack and seemingly walking away.
What transpired afterward remains unclear, but Jada never reached her residence. Crawford explained that officers responded to an emergency call regarding “a young juvenile who was in cardiac arrest laying in the street.”
“When we actually arrived, paramedics were on the scene, and they were already loading her up and performing CPR,” Crawford stated. “Paramedics told us there was an adult on the scene performing CPR when they arrived.”
Medical personnel transported Jada to a local hospital. Her mother, Rashunda McClendon, posted a Facebook video Sunday requesting prayers, saying “please pray for my baby. She’s fighting for her life.”
Later that same day, Jada’s aunt, De’Quala McClendon, confirmed her niece’s passing through a Facebook announcement.
“Now you got your spiritual crown,” she posted, “it hurts so so bad but I know you are ok.”
Rashunda McClendon chose not to speak with an Associated Press journalist who visited her residence Wednesday.
A handwritten memorial sign placed near the altercation site reads “RIP JADA WEST” with the words “Heaven gain an angel,” accompanied by flowers and a decorative pinwheel.
Douglas County District Attorney Dalia Racine acknowledged her office’s awareness of the police investigation but provided no additional details.
In an official statement, the Douglas County School System characterized Jada as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” School officials made counseling services available to students and staff members.
“This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity,” the district’s statement clarified.
