An Ohio family says district authorities failed to adequately protect their 12-year-old son after he reported online harassment that included a death threat plot.
According to the victim’s aunt, Courtney Sorrell, the threatening messages originated from students at Madison Local Schools in Butler County. The harassment began following a breakup and escalated as the girl group targeted her nephew individually through calls, texts, FaceTime, and repeated messaging until he blocked one sender only for another number to reappear.
Sorrell described how the girls shared “disgusting” messages about her nephew, including claims that he “needs to just go kill himself.” Screenshots from a group chat reveal 13 participants discussing plans to harm him: “Can we kill him,” “Yas we will kill him tomorrow,” and details of potential weapons like pocketknives, baseball bats, and guns. The messages were included in a Butler County Sheriff’s Office report.
While the students received 10-day suspensions, Sorrell states the district did not take the threat seriously enough. “We didn’t want this to blow up,” she said, emphasizing that the family went public after feeling authorities ignored their concerns: “Why don’t you call the cops? Why don’t you go to the school?”
The Madison Local Schools district released a statement claiming it was “actively addressing” the situation and had taken steps to ensure student safety. Sorrell insists the district must implement greater accountability and transparency, demanding stricter punishments for those who made threats. “We want the kids to know you can’t make these threats and bully someone or say these things and not be held accountable,” she said.
