Tragedy struck in Texas as 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza took her own life on February 8, leaving her family devastated. According to her mother, Jocelynn endured relentless bullying from classmates who mocked her and accused her family of being in the U.S. illegally.
Now, her heartbreaking death is under investigation, shedding light on the cruel taunts she faced at school. Her grieving mother hopes Jocelynn’s story will bring awareness to the serious impact of bullying and the urgent need for change.
Mocked by classmates
An unimaginable tragedy has shaken a Texas family after 11-year-old Jocelyn Rojo Carranza died by suicide following alleged bullying at school. According to her devastated mother, Marbella Carranza, classmates taunted Jocelyn over her family’s immigration status, leaving her feeling hopeless.
It’s reported Jocelyn Rojo Carranza endured relentless bullying at Gainesville Intermediate School. According to Carranza, classmates mocked Jocelyn’s family’s immigration status and even threatened to call ICE.
“They said they were going to call immigration to take her parents away, leaving her all alone,” Carranza told CNN affiliate KUVN. Marbella didn’t address her family’s immigration status.
“It appears the school was aware of it all, but they never — they never told me what was happening with my daughter,” Carranza told the outlet. “It appears she would go once or twice a week to counseling to report what was happening.”
In a statement to KUVN, the Gainesville Independent School District did not directly address whether they were aware of Jocelynn Rojo Carranza being bullied. However, they emphasized their response to such incidents, stating, ”Whenever we receive a report of bullying, we respond swiftly to ensure all students are safe physically and emotionally.”
The district also noted their efforts to address bullying, adding, ”While we cannot release any information about specific students or incidents, our schools have several policies in place to combat bullying and resolve conflicts.”
“[I want] justice because it’s not fair — the school was negligent for not keeping me informed of what was going on with my daughter,” Carranza said.
A passion for dancing and swinging
Jocelyn was found unresponsive on February 3, in the family’s Gainesville home. Despite efforts to save her, the girl passed away five days later.
She was laid to rest on Wednesday, as loved ones mourned the heartbreaking loss of a young life gone too soon. At the service, the sound of grief filled the air as the mariachi band, positioned in the church balcony, played a sorrowful tune. In the same church where Jocelynn had been baptized 11 years prior, her casket lay draped in a white cloth, with a crucifix resting on top.
“She didn’t know how to understand the things that happen in the world,” said Gelasio Garcia, a deacon at the church, as he spoke during the service.
Jocelynn’s obituary described her as a loving daughter, sister, niece, and a cherished friend to all who knew her.
She had a passion for dancing and swinging, and she especially loved spending quality time with her family — whether it was getting her nails done with her grandma or enjoying “movie night Fridays” with her loved ones.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Boys & Girls Club of Cooke County expressed their sorrow over Jocelynn’s passing, saying they were “deeply saddened” by her death.
They also shared an important message, adding, “Her story is a reminder to always be kind because you never know what someone is going through.”
Absolutely heartbreaking! That sweet little girl didn’t deserve this. Bullying has to stop! Praying for her family during this unimaginable loss and also for the bullies, who now have to live with the consequences of their actions.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
