DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Prosecutors on Monday say they will not pursue criminal charges in the death of a 12-year-old girl during a school bus fight in Villa Rica.
According to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office, autopsy testing showed Jada West died of a genetic heart condition.
"After reviewing the evidence, including the medical findings and circumstances surrounding the altercation, the Douglas County District Attorney's Office determined that criminal charges are not warranted in this case," prosecutors said in a news release.
The off-campus fight between West, a Mason Creek Middle School, and another female student occurred on March 5 in a subdivision at Reflective Waters Drive, police and media reports said at the time.
The altercation happened after a disagreement aboard the school bus, according to the district attorney's office, which investigated the matter.
The two students exited the bus and engaged in the physical altercation, prosecutors said.
At the time, West's family said she had been having trouble with the other girl since moving into the area. The family previously said the incident began at the school and escalated to an argument on the school bus.
West showed signs of medical distress, and the second student involved in the fight immediately sought medical help, prosecutors said.
RELATED:
West became unresponsive and received emergency medical assistance before being taken to a facility for medical treatment, prosecutors said. Three days later, she died, they said.
At the time, her family said she died of a severe brain injury.
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay for West's funeral.
During their investigation, prosecutors said they reviewed bus and cellphone recordings, interviewed student and adult witnesses, examined school and cellphone records and considered the medical examiner's findings.
Though prosecutors said they analyzed concerns of past bullying, they could not find evidence of a history of bullying, past altercations or ongoing conflict between the two students.
Video of the fight went viral online, and West's death gained national attention.
"Jada West was a 12-year-old child whose life was tragically cut short. Jada's death is a profound loss, and our thoughts remain with her family and everyone who knew her. We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones as they continue to grieve," Douglas County District Attorney Dalia Racine said in the release.
"Her family and this community deserve an accurate explanation grounded in the complete evidence. ... We recognize the concern this case has generated. This case drew significant public attention while the investigation was ongoing. Threats directed at individuals connected to the case underscore the importance of distinguishing verified information from speculation and treating everyone affected with care and respect. We hope this information allows Jada's family, the other child and her family and all those impacted by this devastating death to find peace and healing."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Douglasville Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.