The Missouri teen Maurnice DeClue has been accused of brutally attacking Kaylee Gain, leaving her with a skull fracture and brain bleed. DeClue’s family has expressed her desire to apologize for the attack, as she was dismayed to learn about the extent of Gain’s injuries. Gain, who was in a coma for a significant period, has shown signs of cognitive improvement but has no memory of the attack. Gain’s family is calling for DeClue to be charged as an adult due to the violent nature of the assault and the severe injuries sustained by Kaylee.
DeClue’s family has defended her in an open letter, highlighting her achievements such as being on the honor roll, proficiency in multiple languages, and participation in extracurricular activities such as volleyball and orchestra. DeClue’s mother has asserted that her daughter was not the aggressor in the incident, and the situation may have arisen from perceived differences in academic focus. The family has also mentioned receiving threats via Instagram messages, indicating a possible history of bullying towards DeClue. Despite misconceptions about DeClue’s character, her family believes she is not a troublemaker or a bully.
There has been some controversy around the incident, with initial claims by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey linking the fight to the school board’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program. DeClue’s family has refuted these claims, stating that the dispute between the two girls was not about racism but rather about a personal altercation. Gain’s family, who initially criticized DeClue for insensitive social media posts related to the attack, has since learned that the comments were made by someone pretending to be DeClue. This new information has led to a reevaluation of their stance regarding DeClue.
Gain’s lawyer has mentioned that the teen is showing signs of improvement but is still dealing with memory loss regarding the incident. The family’s main focus is on getting justice for the severe injuries that Kaylee suffered. There is a call for DeClue to face adult charges for the assault due to the violent nature of the attack. The case sheds light on the impact of school violence and bullying on students and their families and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing such incidents in schools. The families of both girls are navigating a complex and emotionally challenging situation as they seek resolution and justice in the aftermath of the assault.
