Hailey Petee: Police report sheds light on suicide
By Jane Beathard
Staff Writer
The noose around 11-year-old Hailey Petee’s neck was not the only one in her basement bedroom, based on observation by the first London police officer to arrive at 44 N. Walnut St. early Sunday.
Three other hanging devices dangled from the ceiling, including a pulled-down cable.
“There is evidence in Hailey’s room that she was experimenting with hanging herself,” Officer John Goubeaux reported.
Petee’s mother, Melinda Groce, found the 11-year-old’s lifeless body about 12:15 a.m., after returning from dinner at Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Hilliard, an incident report said.
Just hours earlier, Petee shared a pizza with her 15-year-old sister and grandfather. Groce and David Petee, Jr., left their youngest child at home for disciplinary reasons, the report said.
“She was perfectly fine about 9:45 or so,” the sister told officers.
Officers collected a notebook and pictures from the bedroom. None indicated the pre-teen was pondering suicide, chief Dave Wiseman said.
Groce told investigators her daughter was the target of bullying last fall that forced a change in school bus routes. Otherwise, Groce could not provide specific bullying incidents related to London schools. Groce told police that her daughter was not currently having problems at school.
London Elementary School Principal Carol Daniels backed up Groce’s statement during a search of Petee’s desk on Sunday afternoon. Daniels said Petee was “good at school.” The principal noted Petee’s bullying problems appeared to cease with the change in school bus routes.
What emotions prompted the child to kill herself may always remain a matter of speculation.
However, Groce told investigators a made-for-TV movie recently broadcast on the Lifetime Channel likely planted the idea in her daughter’s head. The movie is based on the true life story of a high school girl who hangs herself after repeated incidents of bullying. Petee watched the movie in mid-January.
On Monday, Officer Joe Cox returned to the North Walnut Street home and encountered a belligerent and uncooperative David Petee, Jr.
Petee said police did nothing about an alleged assault on his daughter last summer. In a profanity-laced rampage, Petee told Cox he had no respect for law enforcement and that “London cops are no [expletive] good.”
Cox left after telling Groce to call if she needed assistance.
In the end, officers were unable to substantiate any recent criminal acts — including school bullying incidents — that pushed Petee to suicide.
Their investigation is now closed, pending additional information.
Madison County Coroner James Kaehr, M.D., is expected to release his report of Petee’s death within days.
Hailey Petee was a friend of mine. When I woke up one morning and went downstairs my mother asked me if I knew about her death. I said I didnt know abour her death and she told me she hung her self due to current responses of bullying at LES. After I ate in the morning I went upstairs and checked my facebook and went to her profile. It was heart wrenching to see all of those post on there about everyone who would miss her dearly and I soon posted on her wall then I messaged her parents saying I was sorry for their loss. R.I.P Hailey Petee
You know, in London the bullying isn’t just bad in the schools, it’s taken over the town. Kids bully, adults bully, white trash and wanna be thugs bully, and the biggest of them all, the local government bullies. I’ve never witnessed such a large gathering of absolute trash in one area. Folks, its bad here, London is the armpit of the county, we’re very much looked down upon. Why do we have this problem? Is it because of the prisons here? Is it because London took as much metro housing as it could (thinking they’d get more taxes out of it) when other towns in the county only took the minimum? All I do know is that London is headed town the toilet fast. I never admit anymore that I’m from London when asked. How do we change? First, King David needs to step down, he and his cronies have been in power around here way too long. What about the schools? The laughing stock of the area. Queen Carol Daniels needs to retire for good (she’s already done the retire, rehire thing). We need younger people with fresh ideas. Someone with class, this pretty much eliminates someone from town so we’d need to look elsewhere, try to recruit. Folks without some change your garbage dump of a town will just keep getting worse and worse.
Let me start this off by say,, My thougt’s an prayer’s go out to Hailey’s family what a sad thing to have to go through.Now let me say this to everyone of you who has had some kind of comment about what has happened.For the ones of you who feel You need answer’s well it’s not your business to get answer’s it’s not your child……..An for the ones who have said things that was heart felt you guys have taken a lot of bashing on here an I must say it was uncalled for…And unless I’m wrong I think it’s spelled Appalled not Apalled..I think everybody should just leave this family alone people are going to talk an people are going to say things that are not true an try to get people upset an it’s those people that need to mind their own business more so than anybody the fact is bullying does go on in LCS an if any of you feel there’s not then I say you need to open your eyes to the truth about this school. It’s always been here the problem is it’s just getting worse so people who have kid’s in LCS talk to your child/children about this it is important that each one of them know what to do if it happens to them,And I’m not sure if my comment is from just a white woman or one that was in the white trash population either way Let’s all just leave this family alone let them deal with the loos of their daughter.. I seen in one comment where the community has been amazing with all the support for them then I hope to see each an everyone of you out on Febuary 24 helping to raise money for them to cover the funeral bills
I have to disagree with you. You see, an innocent child, and again I say a CHILD in our community committed suicide and some of the citizens feel a need for answers. It doesn’t matter if it was our child or not, this child was a child of the community. It seemed to be acceptable to be our business and everyone else’s when the parents were interviewing on television. This community is asking for answers to questions that shouldn’t be that difficult to answer. You mentioned an event on February 24 to raise money for funeral expenses, is it our business then? But not now? I am confused. Of course people are going to say things that are untrue, it’s unfortunate and is human nature and shame on them. I think I am correct in saying Hailey’s parents spoke some untruths as well.
I feel most people in this community are in agreement that bullying is a problem in our schools and needs to be addressed immediately. It is a problem that obviously should have been handled a long time ago. I also think this family needs time to grieve and heal from this tragic loss.
And just for the record, I did spell appalled correctly from the beginning. It appears as though someone responding omitted an “l”. I would suggest you check your own grammar and spelling before checking others. It is “and” instead of “an” and I was always taught to end a sentence with one period, not two.
@ Appalled you have the right to disagree with me.An yes your right an child is gone but she was not your child.Did you take a poll on most of the community wants to know or is this just you feel the need to have answers? I’m sure that if the police felt there was anything odd about all this they would not have closed their case on it.As for the parents being on TV well you should not have watched it if it bothered you that much.If you fell she was a child of the community then WHERE was your community when this little girl was being beat up an bullied? An beens how you seem to be so on top of this an you seem to need answers well where was YOU when all this was going on? You seem to know as much if not more than the parents do as to what was goin on in their home again where was YOU? You must have known what was going on. And yes I know your going to have so much to say on this comment that it’s not going to be funny,,And to answer your question on the date of Febuary 24th well your answer is No it’s not for any of you to have your so called answers that you feel is needed and it will not be any on that date either,Here’s a answer for you It would not have matter who was with this little girl when she took her own life God knows when it’s your time to go an as sad as it is nothing could have changed it.And here is something else you might want to think about WE all will have our day of judgment standing in front of the Good Lord himself he knows our hearts an our thoughts, And it almost makes a person think that your upset because you didnt get any TV and thats why you keep bad mouthing her parents and anyone who has a comment on here that is not what you think it should be.Oh and one more thing …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Did you get it?
Let me tell you what I “get” from your comment. You are someone who believes Hailey’s parents had absolutely no part in this tragedy. You are someone who wants to place the blame on bullying alone. Take a look at the statistics and what the educated psychologists have said regarding this case. Children this age do not commit suicide from bullying alone, there have to be other factors, such as the home life. I, as with many other in this community, obviously did not know what was going on in this household and believe me, if I/we did, Children’s Services would have been notified. This entire community would have tried to intervene if we had known something was bothering this child so much to cause her to do what she did. It is the job of a parent to know what is going on with their children. OBVIOUSLY Hailey’s parents didn’t know.
You are correct on being judged by God and God alone. Only He knows what happened with Hailey on that night. I am not judging her parents, I am looking for answers and justice for this child. I am sure it will never come and will only be served to them on a platter by God. Hailey’s parents have to live every single day with this on their shoulders. I do hope they find peace and seek forgiveness so they can see their child again someday. This was a terrible tragedy regardless of the reasons.
As for being on TV, NO THANKS! That is the last thing I would want to be on TV for. I lost a family member in a tragic situation a few years ago and the TV crew came to talk to my family and they declined, as most people do. I would have to say though, if I were to be on TV, I would tell the truth. So, yeah, I got it. You believe this child’s death should be closed and the parents should have no accountability for anything. Shame on you.
Are you kidding,, No the only thing you want is to try an take the blame off of those who are really at fault here.Her mother stated that she was not aware of any more bullying since Oct. well if her daughter didn’t tell her then how was she to know it was still going on? Did you hear on the new’s that one Of Hailey’s friends said she witnessed it for herself an she too was part of being bullied. You only want to put parts of what has been told by the news and by the paper. What accountability do you feel this family should take? I personally feel the woman whose name come out in the press should stand accountable for the bullying she did to this little girl. and as I have read on that this woman is still harassing the family of this little girl by saying she was selvish for taking her own life what a sick sick woman she is an yes if there is any accountability she should be the one to take it. At her age you don’t bully a child so again let me ask you WHERE was you community when she was doing what she was doing.WHy is YOUR Commuity not asking an seeking answers from this woman? No it’s not shame on me it’s shame on you for wanting this family to answer questions you feel you need to move past this here’s what I hope God sees fit to happen in this I hope the woman in the paper goes to jail for a very long time along with others that played a part in it.Now you know how I really feel and because you feel the need to keep pushing the blame on the parents maybe you should join them there for awhile I truely can see why comments have been made that people in London make me sick well just reading what you say would make a person feel that way God knows your starting to make me sick an glad that I dont live there
Ok. This. Does NOT make any sense what’s so ever. If you’re going to correct someone’s spelling, you should probably have your grammar checked first. Just saying.
While everyone agrees bullying does happen, the problem is that people are blaming the school when the main bullying that happened to this little girl happened outside of school. How are the school officials supposed to protect children when they are off school property? If bullying happens all the time, why aren’t parents attending Board of Education meetings that are held each month? DO you really think teachers are supposed to replace parents by teaching them right from wrong? I can tell you the teachers I know do not tolerate bullying what’s so ever but they can’t watch EVERY SINGLE child that comes through their doors. I believe that the parents are RESPONSIBLE for any bullying taken place outside the school. And yes, bullying happens EVERYWHERE it’s not just London. People need to get out of London to really OPEN THEIR EYES. And I understand the bullying has become worse since social media and online harassment began, but it’s called being a parent and talking to your kids.
As a retired middle school teacher with 33 years in the classroom, I feel I am qualified to have and share my insights on this tragedy. I am also the mother of two grown daughters, one of whom is a high school secretary in another state. I am also the grandmother of five, three of whom attend public schools outside of Ohio. I have family members who presently attend London schools and are actively involved in the school system.
It is extremely sad that Hailey, or any child, should experience bullying.
That said, bullying has been a school problem since public schools came into existence many generations ago. One of the issues that makes bullying a difficult problem to deal with is that it rarely takes place with any reliable witnesses present. Therefore, when the teacher or administration is made aware of the problem, they are hearing a “he said / she said” conversation, with accusations flying. It is difficult and usually unfair to punish one student for a crime to which there are no witnesses and no evidence. It’s very difficult to sort through the emotion-driven testimonies of two students, both of whom feel angry and threatened, and arrive at the truth. Therefore, some instances of bullying do go unpunished, with the accused being given only a warning.
I have read many if not all of the posts to the articles related to Hailey’s death. Many of them convey an outright contempt for the very values that might have helped prevent such a tragedy. Please, before you post a comment that is full of hatred, accusations and an apparent need to hurt one another, try to remember that those were perhaps the very factors that made a young girl feel that her life was so troubled that there were no longer any options left. What’s done cannot be undone. A child of your community has been lost. The only emotion that should be comveyed in any of these post you are making to one another is sadness.
This sounds like the results of the “Choking/Fainting game.” Newark lost a good kid years ago from this stupid game.
In consideration of information now coming to light, I, too, wonder about the parents going on television so soon and blaming this on bullying. Bullying is a popular topic these days, sure to get press coverage. That does not mean that no bullying goes on or that the schools handle it well, but in this case it appears the matter was successfully addressed months ago. The police should conduct a thorough investigation, and do it quickly if there are other minors in the household.
As for concerns about posting anonymously, have you read the posts to various articles on this? And the mother has already threatened one person who spoke truth on the matter, to the point of having a restraining order of some sort put against her (and, yes, anything about the home environment is relevant to the facts of the case). Yet these things need to be said in the hopes of finding some justice for this little girl (sadly, it has to be after the fact).
Oh wow! It is quite clear that London has a bulling problem! Just reading the post of the so called adults. All I can say is wow! And as a parent of two middle school children in this town! I know far to well about the problem. The adults in this town is not any better. If we are going to tell people to educate their selves then we should also provide that education. We as a predominant adult society needs to teach common morals and respect to these children. We do not know what was going on in little Hailey’s head. She has a diagnosis of ADHD. I know as a parent of an ADHD child with difience disorder. They don’t always have clear thoughts and he at 6 years old tried to commit suicide if i wouldnt have grabbed him he would have went head first from a two story building into an airconditioning unit. If she was contiplating suicide then her meds and her mental status should be looked at as well as the other arguments. Her behavior prier to the suicide. But blaming everyone is not the answer. We as parents do need to be allowed by society to punish our kids as long as it is not beating them down. I turned out just fine with ass whippings included! The school needs to have paddling reintroduced! And parents should paddle their children. Spare the rod spoil the child.
This situation is a very complicated one. As a previous article said, deaths at this age are typically the result of multiple factors that build up to the point an irrational impulse decision is made. The loss of a human by these means is terribly sad.
I’m writing my reply as an observation to the comments on this article. First, I think it is extremely disappointing that the Press allows people to post anonymously, as humans have a funny increase in courage to say whatever they like when there is no name to go with the comment. It is one of the primary reasons I will not subscribe to the paper.
Second, for those who read these comments and are able to make intelligent observations about all of the presented factors here and are able to apply reasonable thought processing skills to formulate intelligent questions and observations, I ask that you take note:
You are probably the same people who are in the majority of the voting public. When the school suffers from budget shortfalls and financial hard times, the results are demonstrated here in the people who reply with uneducated opinions. If the students in our community are not given the best opportunities to empower themselves, they just repeat the cycle of life that they came from. Think about that and how although you may not feel the schools need your support, you are witnessing the results of poor educations and the manifestations of those in our community. It is almost impossible to change the current generations of adults in our community, but our children still have the opportunity to learn how to be logical thinkers.
If our community wants overall change, we have to all do our parts to be positive and productive citizens in multiple capacities. Please stop bickering about things outside your control and start or continue to do good things for our town. This is a great town with wonderful citizens, but it takes real effort from real people to make real change.
P.S. I understand I left my name blank, which is a huge pet peave of mine, but this post will most certainly cause lash back from the exact crowd that shouldn’t be replying on this story anyways. If I thought it would be intelligent conversation I would put my name down. Again: Products of our environment.
@Products: You really think you are something now don’t you? You are perhaps one of the most condescending and arrogant people in this town. Seriously, who do you think you are? I do believe we all put our pants on the same way.
You see, the Madison Press allowing us to post anonymously is the exercise of Freedom of Speech, which is clearly defined in the First Amendment. Oh, but wait, I am sure you are so educated that you know all about every Amendment and everything for that matter. As for the voting public, there again, that is another right we have even though our vote may disagree with yours. Your conclusion of people not passing school levies resulting in poorly educated people is preposterous. This child’s death or the people who comment have absolutely nothing to do with approving a levy. Get real and face the facts. Times have changed and this is not a perfect world we live in.
You claim you know how to change the community with your intellect, however you are too much of a coward to leave your real name. This is a public forum for people, regardless of their education, to express their thoughts. You are no one to say who should or shouldn’t be posting comments. Perhaps you should take all of your intelligence and education and focus on a suicide and bullying prevention module at the schools. Be a real person and step up to the challenge to make a change in our schools and ease up on your bashing of the less fortunate and uneducated “products.”
I’ve read all of the previous posts and here are some things that I disagree with; Appalled has repeatedly claimed that the child was “unsupervised” but is in agreement with the fact that the Grandfather was there. Hearing impaired or not, the girl was supervised. What was the Grandfather supposed to do, sit in a chair next to Hailey’s bed when she decided to go to her room? You do realize that she was 11 years of age? Had the Grandfather went to the bedroom with her, I would have found that to be a bit odd to say the least.
Appalled also insinuates that the 15 year old sister may not have been in the house when Hailey committed suicide. I’ll insinuate that the 15 year old sister was in the house. Neither of us have any proof to contradict the other so we’ll just agree to disagree.
An 11 year olds death is tragic, especially in this manner. But I don’t understand people anymore. People act as if there is someone to blame whenever a person dies. They must find someone to point their finger at. Even in cases where an elderly person falls ill and passes away, family members start pointing the finger in the doctor’s direction. Look people, we’re all born to live but realize this, we’re all going to die in a variety of ways. I just thought that I should point that at. And another thing as you blood thirsty hounds look for someone to pay the price for Hailey’s death; suicide is not against the law.
Really? Yes, the grandfather was there. NO, he was not capable of supervising the girl. Yes, we all realize she was 11 years of age – TOO young to be left home alone or with an ederly adult who was not physically capable of watching her. Obviously something drove this little girl to take her own life. Everyone was so quick to jump on the “bullying” bandwagon without evaluating her home life. Studies have proven that children that young do not commit suicide because of bullying alone – there’s usually some underlying issue. Her mother was in and out of prison, addicted to drugs, and obviously has some issues with not telling the truth, as she has changed her story many times. A good parent would know if something was wrong with their child. A good parent would see the signs leading up to something so tragic. If you knew your daughter was having issues, why in the world would you leave her home alone? Why would you even give her a chance to take her own life? A good parent would know better.
I agree with you 110%
As I read these posts, I have made a few notes to help me. People with these attitudes are part of the problem. Taken from multiple posts on this thread, here you go:
you have such little respest for yourself let alone other’s; you need locked up in a rubber room with your own little jacket that will let you give your own self hugs all day long it’s also pretty safe to say your certified crazy; I think the one thing that’s becoming abundantly clear is that London City Schools needs to focus on teaching English.; That is why I suggested GED classes. Thanks for the laugh.; Can we say immature, oblivious and uneducated on your part?; Educate yourself, looks like you need the GED classes as well.; that agency does very little to help kids; AND don’t you dare let me find out you participated in bullying, OR ELSE!!; You are the epitomy of the American society; It so sad to see pathetic people like you; Don’t be stupid like Appalled; I would have done more than just tell some people off.; You people make me deathly ill.; is filled with nothing but losers and hate filled idiots; HELLO WAKE UP!; if you are unable to read well, have someone read and explain it to you; So I told my son if that boy puts his hands on you to kick his ass. I know telling him to do that is wrong but if the transportation dept. don’t want take care of it then I give my children the permission to stand up and kick ass.; his comment is pure ignorance; a bunch of Ignorant unforgiving people like yourself; Look at yourself in the mirror before you call someone ignorant.; read the story’s first before you make such ignorant comment’s; the lack of education from alot of you would make a person sitck.
We all need to change our attitudes towards each other, and work together to make this a better place to live!
I am just amazed at what is going on here. You so called ones that say we need to make someone pay for the bullying (school/???) Maybe you should take a look at some of your comments to one another. Let’s see if we were all still in school in which most of you act like it then you would see that you are merely bullying one another also. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but everyone does not have to agree that’s why it is freedom of speak. But justice is another right that we Americans are also entitled too. So why should Halieys death be any different? All the facts should be investigated home life, parenting & education any & all played a part in her death whether you believe it or not. Not just one thing caused her to take her life. The facts are all required to close this case. Yes the parents are going through a rough time but apparently their daughter was too & the question should be why did it take someone so long to realize something was going on? Look to me like all kinds of signs have been given. Bullying happens every where not just in school. We all deal with bullies everyday, we need to start at home with teaching our kids not acting like life is perfect. Teachers are what 28:1 roughly??? & their job is to teach our kids education not manners how to treat others. They can do their best, while in classrooms, but if that child has never been taught that then it makes for learning for the others a little more difficult. Teach your kids right from wrong & let them know their is punishment for their consequences. Don’t blame others for what they only played a small part in. The bus the way I see it only what an hour or two a day of that child’s life what about the love & compassion the rest of the 23-22 hours. I know my family is not perfect & I am a mother that has had a child bullied. I stood up for her & did what I needed to do to show her I’m here & I will always be. Yes I have to hope that she sees that I do love her & will get her through & that’s all I can ask is that its enough. These children need to be taught life isn’t a sugar coat as most pretend it to be, its cruel & it isn’t getting any better. Don’t point fingers or blame others unless you are ready for someone to look in your way for some of the blame too. Momma always said Can’t Stand the Heat then Stay Out of the Kitchen.
Interesting, ironic even, that as I read through these comments, many of them resort to verbal abuse, name calling and character assassination. Is this not to a degree, bulllying? Can you please state your opinion without judging others? Have we not learned anything here?
@ Appalled,, You seem to try to play both side’s of this on one hand you say it’s not because of bullying but yet just from the vibes of your comment’s it feel’s as tho you know there was bullying far more than your willing to say.Your comment’s to just about eveyone on here that doesn’t agree with you your trying to make the look bad with your FYI an your belittling those who have commented seems to me you yourself arf a perfect example of a bully when I hit a nerve with you I’m sure you’ll come back with an attack on me as you have with everyone else,But here’s the thing with me I over look ignorance because it show everyone that you have such little respest for yourself let alone other’s.An I will sit an read your reply to mean laugh because like I said the vibe’s from your already made comments let’s it be known that you are clueless to what going on around you in the real world that we live in I’m not sure what kind of world you live in pretty safe to say it’s not a normal one an sound’s as tho you need locked up in a rubber room with your own little jacket that will let you give your own self hugs all day long it’s also pretty safe to say your certified crazy
I’m not sure what “turning the page” just said. Even Google Translate couldn’t help me.
I think the one thing that’s becoming abundantly clear is that London City Schools needs to focus on teaching English.
@WOW – you are absolutely right on this one. I had a difficult time understanding what the meaning of turning the page’s comment. That is why I suggested GED classes. Thanks for the laugh.
Can we say immature, oblivious and uneducated on your part? I simply have stated my opinion on what I know and what I have read. The only bullying I know about is what Melinda said herself. Educate yourself and read what she she said. She stated the bullying stopped in October and then she stated her daughter committed suicide because of recent bullying. This woman cannot get her story straight. I have not attacked anyone, I have merely backed my original comment and rebutted the ignorant comments made to me. Your comment is just another filled with ignorance and refusal to see the whole picture. Your comment is also a bit hard to read and understand with all of your typos…. looks like you need the GED classes as well.
My world is very real and doesn’t include a rubber room or little jacket. Grow up and face what is really going on here. Our community lost a precious little girl and there should be an explanation.
Did anyone ever ask if Children Services ever was involved with the family. Doesn’t say much in Madison County since that agency does very little to help kids but this family didn’t only live in London. Mom has a criminal record from Union County, public record, she was in prison for Possession of Crack…..so here is the question, did the parents REALLY know what was going on with thier daughter, I don’t think so. More than likely there was some neglect/abuse going on in that home that none of us will never know about. Three nooses in her room, really? I just don’t understand, it is tragic that London lost such a young child and that the parents lost a child, but were they even aware of what was going on with her? Were the parents still using/abusing drugs? Was this child abused in some way that WE do not know about? Did they know her friends, Facebook info…..all of that? I am sure she had access to a computer, were the parents aware what she was discussing on FB or any other social media? There are SO many questions that will never be answered but the police report does shed a lot of light on to the situation. LPD did NOTHING wrong but write a report. Why was the family so upset with Officer Cox…were they afraid all this info would come out when the police report was released?? Makes you wonder. Rest in Peace Hailey…
I was wondering about her home life because alot of this doesn’t add up… was she neglected? Ignored? I think the should’ve investigated the parents more…. i only hope those other children in that house dont feel that desperate… poor baby girl. I have a daughter her age… it just breaks my heart and makes me sick to my stomach!!!
It takes a village. Our village, the entire village, failed this little girl. There’s enough blame to go around. What’s the solution to prevent it from happening again? Blessing to the family. Regardless of their past indiscretions, they have lost a daughter. May the individuals who have been unkind in actions or words toward this little girl, be touched by this and change their ways. Blessings to the teachers and school leadership. May this be a wake up call that things may not always be as they seem.
I would like to know why this hasn’t been addressed by any other source besides Madison Press? I am a parent of a child who was the victim of bulling and I I am also the parent of a child who stands up for kids who are bullied. My son has been suspended from school protecting bullied kids, kids he doesn’t even know. The school says that’s what the staff is for, the kids parents thank my son and say its about time some one steps in. I don’t condone violence but it seems that is all a bully understands. The kids my son has protected never had problems again because he made it clear that if it happens again by anyone then he would be forced to deal with it. If all kids went out on a limb against bullies the problem would stop. My son wishes he had know there was a problem because it would have stopped and a little girl wouldn’t be dead. I know this is an undesirable means to an end but I have never seen anything else work. I have addressed this issue with bullies parents, teachers, principles, and police. I think it is terrible this little girl lost her life and we attack the parents. Who cares about the parents past, this is the life of an 11 year old girl we are talking about and her parents are grieving.
Sent from my iPhone
The Columbus Dispatch has a story that says the same thing online as this story does.
I have always raised my kids to stand against bullies and protect those being bullied.. ALWAYS! In fact, my kids know I will be disappointed in them if they do not.. AND don’t you dare let me find out you participated in bullying, OR ELSE!!
After moving back to London, my oldest was a victim of bullying. It is heartbreaking. I didn’t receive much help from the school, I felt. But it goes deeper than the school. It starts with the parenting. And in my opinion, there’s not much parenting going on in London. No guidance, no values.. just kids raising themselves and the parents not giving a damn about what’s going on.
There’s too much drugs, too much alcohol.. just a waste altogether. And unfortunately, it’s the kids that are left to suffer. What a huge disappointment moving back here with my children.
I’ve got one out of London schools as trial run.. my younger two will be out next school year.
Ok what gets me the most about all of this is, granted yes there was reports of bulling back in October, so yes that all happenend but after that it was all over, so say the princapal an the mothere after the bussing route was changed. So if that is the case then why dose the parents want to jump right off the bat an say it is cause of bulling. Granted are schools are already messed up but saying that is the reason just makes the school look worse then wat it is. I am truly sorry for the loss of such a beatiful lil girl. But everyone wants to blow all this way out of context. An hopefully the LPD wont close it an look further into this to see what really is going on.There is way more to it then just bulling they really need to look long an hard at the parents. this is my opion
I’m confused. Why did the parents say one thing to the press and another thing to tentv? Did the tv news put the words in their mouth? Was it for ratings? Were the parents coached or told wat to say?
Or did the parents forget what they told the police?
Or did they reconize that their story to police wasn’t going to win them any big lawsuits?
I can’t imagine any of these being true.
I’m sure this family appreciates your concern for their current situation. Although I’m sure they would like ignorant people to keep their opinions off public forums like this. Without truly knowing any of the specifics of the situation and relying your opinion completely off media and other people’s thoughts, you have no right to make such drastic claims! I wish no tragedies on anyone, and as a public servant I see plenty, and I hope you come to regret this awful post. You are the epitomy of the American society who can so easily find fault in others while having no faults of your own. (I’m sure you’re the type to complain when someone cuts you off due to texting and driving with minutes of sending a text of your own)
It so sad to see pathetic people like you and others in this community be so willing to allow this child’s death to just go with so many unanswered questions. Should no one be held accountable? Should no one have to answer these questions? I absolutely wish no tragedies for anyone and I have seen plenty in my day as well. I have faults just like you and everyone else in this world. I did not claim perfection in my post. I know enough about this case and believe what our police department said. Are you claiming the police officer’s are not telling the truth?
I moved from London quite a few years ago and it was for one specific reason. You people make me deathly ill.
I have seen nothing but speculation and rumors flying around this poor girls death. Not one mention of condolences or compassion shown for this girls parents or siblings. I don’t blame the parents for going and knocking doors when neighbors feel it is imperative to contact the news people about the mothers past indiscretions in which she served her time and paid her debt. Had It been me that happened to I would have done more than just tell some people off.
Why is it you people feel the need to gossip and make innuendos like Appalled has when the police could not find one shred of criminality in this girls death . Yes the Father is angry at this point and yes he may seem uncooperative but it does not give you all the right to speculate and spread outright lies about this family.
Unless you live in that home and know for fact what was being done don’t make statements in public. Don’t be stupid like Appalled was and try to say that this child’s parent did not check her room because it took time to make a few nooses. No it doesn’t take time to make 3 makeshift nooses, it can be done in a matter of minutes.
As I said in the beginning this is why I left this town to begin with a place I grew up and called home is filled with nothing but losers and hate filled idiots and I really feel for the good people who are still there and have to put up with this kind of idiocy on a daily basis. Especially David Wiseman and his fine staff of officers who are called names because you people did not get your daily dose of blood at the cost of someones misfortune..
Glad you left Mike Swaney with that type of attitude. If you have ONLY seen rumors and speculation about the death of this child then you are not looking in the right places. Look on facebook, there is PLENTY of condolences for this family and the community support has been amazing. People have questions MIke Swaney, about how this tragedy could have happened. What don’t you understand about that? I was not spreading lies about this family, I am seeking answers to very questionable acts by the parents. I do not believe it only takes a few minutes to make hanging devices. If you read the article it clearly states one was a pull down cable hanging from the ceiling, it wasn’t just makeshift nooses as you claim. You didn’t live in this home either so don’t make statements without knowing what you are talking about. I believe this could have been prevented if proper parenting was in place. I do not believe this was a result of bullying. I am entitled to my opinion whether you like it or not.
@ Appalled,
First of all, have you called the school and asked about the bullying out there. Because I know for sure if you call out there they would tell you no, but they do!!! Get a grip.. And people like you make me sick… When they say last fall that doesn’t mean 2011 that means 2012. We have only been in 2013 for 32 days.. HELLO WAKE UP!!!! And your right the police should not close this, and they should find justice for Hailey starting with her BULLY’S and ending with the lady in the paper, that Madison County oh so freely decided to drop a charge. Why did they drop that charge??? Is it because she wants to try and intimidate others with some dude names Jerry Zacharias!!! How about you know the facts before you want to run your mouth
Me: I KNOW there is bullying at the schools, I never said there wasn’t. It is a serious problem that needs addressed immediately. Perhaps you need to read my comment again for clarification or if you are unable to read well, have someone read and explain it to you. I also KNOW when last fall was. The report states the incident occurred in October (which is more than 32 days ago) and no more incidents were reported since then. FYI- there are free GED classes available to assist you in Math and other skills you obviously are lacking. It is apparent you and others like you do not believe Hailey’s parents should accept responsibility for their part in her tragic death. That’s where negligent homicide should come in to play. This precious child committed suicide and nothing we say or do will bring her back, however, she deserves justice.
Hey I think some one NEEDS to look at the video tapes from the cameras from both bus’ that probly should be checked out, my 7 yr. old was picked on on the bus by on of my neighbor’s son and my 12 yr old had his head slamed into the bus seat several times in one day his best friend had to pull the other kid off of my son, this happens everyday and I my husband called the transpertation dept. for the bus’ and they said they would look into it and they would look at the tape they did but instead of punishing the bully they punished MY son because the other boy said my son called his mom a name. My son kept telling the principal he didn’t call that kids mom a name and my son had witness’ to back up his story and in the end that kid got off scott free. As for the one who picked on my 7 yr.old the same thing they said we will look at the tape and get back to you guess what they never called me back about it and that kid didn’t get punished for picking on my daughter. I called and left messages about finding out if it was on tape guess what no one called me back. So I told my son if that boy puts his hands on you to kick his ass. I know telling him to do that is wrong but if the transportation dept. don’t want take care of it then I give my children the permission to stand up and kick ass.
Thank you for posting this! I’m glad someone finally said it!
So let me get this right….. THREE other hanging devices were found in her bedroom and she had been experimenting with hanging????? REALLY? Did she make these three hanging devices after she had pizza at 9:45 or were they previously made? Did her parents ever check her room to notice these devices? So many unanswered questions in this tragic situation. It is had to believe she made three other devices in that short amount of time so I would say they were already there…. her parents should have known this and if so, they should not have left this child alone. Yes, other people were in the house but obviously she was alone for too long.
And why would they claim bullying was the reason for her suicide if she had not been bullied since the fall. Initially they claimed this child cried everyday before and after school. It seems like these parents are not telling the truth and are trying to place the blame on others. I think the facts are clear, the parents are negligent and this case should not be closed and these parents should be investigated for negligent homicide. I am disgusted with the parenting skills these people lack and think the other children need to be removed from the home. I am not judging, but calling it like I see it. The facts are clear. I pray the LPD does not close this investigation and finds justice for Hailey.
This comment is pure ignorance and nothing more than a petty attack on the family of this poor girl. Between you and that Ignorant neighbor who thought contacting the news people with information that was not pertinent to the death about the mothers prison record I can see why this girl killed herself. She had nothing better to look forward to in her life living in London around a bunch of Ignorant unforgiving people like yourself.
A petty attack? Please get your head on straight, the only ignorance here is that an 11 year old child had HANGING DEVICES in her room and her parents did not know!!! Any information is pertinent when it comes to the death of a young innocent child, whether it be a prison record or not. These parents are RESPONSIBLE for their child in all aspects. What parent does not go in their child’s room???? I do not believe for one minute that she made those devices the night of her suicide!! Look at yourself in the mirror before you call someone ignorant. No one is perfect and no one said they are not forgiven, however, this child deserves justice.
Appalled, you are the only one speaking sense on this forum. There is something off about parents going on TV the day their daughter hanged herself to blame it on bullying. While this child probably was bullied at some point, according to her mother and the school it stopped in October. So what was happening in her life now that would cause her to feel she had no other choice but suicide? These parents should have had this little girl with them at D&B talking to her about whatever it was that she was being punished for. Rather than leaving her home with no supervision.
And there you go Appalled Also she was not unsupervised,,OMG PEOPLE pleas read the story’s first before you make such ignorant comment’s,, I am starting to see why some people are saying London an the people in it make them sick it is starting to become clear that the lack of education from alot of you would make a person sitck..
The correct and accurate story “turning the page” is that she was home with her grandfather, who was upstairs and has limited hearing ability and at home with a sister, her whereabouts unknown. Truth is she was unsupervised long enough to commit suicide. People like you have a hard time accepting and facing the truth.
Did YOU read the article? She was obviously unsupervised, how else would she have the opportunity to commit suicide? The ad hominem attacks of other posters intelligence, displays where the ignorance and lack of education is. When accusing others of “ignorance” and “lack of education” it’s always a good idea hold the grammar and spelling mistakes to a minimum. It’s “please” not “pleas”, it’s “stories” not “story’s”, it’s “comments” not “comment’s” it’s “and the” not “an the” and lastly, it’s “a lot” not “alot”. It sure is becoming clear I’d say…
Yep you sure can tell where the problem lies ’round here’. Always thought London was a bunch of “goodie-two-shoes” better than you people across the tracks from, well across the tracks. Literally. No class distinction as far as bulling though. London is a very competitive town. Always found everyone on everyone’s case; rich or poor. Always gotta be best.
And easy on the cops. I know they’re not the ‘gentelmen’ of old, but with the job they are up against today it could be worse.
I never was one to get on peoples case about spelling on line but the people on here are comical. Calling each other ignorant.
I have no opinion on the tragedy. I grew up bullied along with everyone else, we were taught to suck it up, the bully is just an insecure, antisocial.
I truly hope something ‘good’ comes from this terrible loss. .