Naperville Teen's Suicide Leads To State Law About Police Inquiry

NAPERVILLE, IL — The death of a Naperville teen by suicide in 2017 has prompted a new state law that requires parents or guardians to be present if a student is being questioned by police. The law comes after Naperville North student Corey Walgren, 16, jumped from a building following a police interrogation, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Walgren had been questioned by police after being accused of possessing pornographic images, but it was later determined that there were no illegal pictures on his phone. Walgren's parents were not contacted until after the questioning.

Under the new law, police must have a parent, guardian or advocate present before questioning students under 18 years old. Further, students who are 18 or older must be informed that they are able to request a parent or guardian to be present when they are questioned.

• Corey's Goal Spreads Awareness A Year After Teen's Suicide
• Naperville Teen's Suicide After Sex Video Illustrates Schools' Dilemma

Police will still be able to arrest students on school grounds, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Walgren's parents recently appealed a lawsuit they filed after their son's death against the City of Naperville and District 203. The suit alleges that Corey's death was caused by "extreme, intolerable, and excessive emotional and psychological distress."

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, visiting this website or texting HOME to 741741.

More via Chicago Tribune