Two girls have been arrested in connection with the death of 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick, who committed suicide last month after being the target of online harassment and bullying, police said.
A 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl were charged with aggravated felony assault, according to a statement from the Polk County sheriff's office.
Grady Judd, a sheriff in Polk County, Florida, said the teenagers “repeatedly harassed and intimidated ” Rebecca, who jumped from a tower on Sept. 9. The girl was targeted because she had been dating the 14-year-old’s ex-boyfriend, according to reports.
Witnesses told police that the teenager was sending direct messages to Rebecca, calling her “ugly,” telling her to “drink bleach and die” and encouraging Rebecca to commit suicide. Both girls threatened to fight Rebecca, which ended in a physical fight at least once, police said.
On Saturday, the 14-year-old posted a statement on Facebook, where she said, "Yes I know I scared Rebecca into committing suicide, but I don't give a damn."
Shannon Butler @sbutlerfox35
Sheriff Grady Judd: this is what one girl sent out Saturday after the death of Rebecca Sedwick
Police added that "malicious harassment" from the two girls, who were at the same school as Rebecca, likely contributed to her decision to commit suicide.
