La Marque Community Rallies Against Cyberbullying

LA MARQUE, TX -- The La Marque community united for an anti-bullying rally this weekend, just days after a Galveston County couple was indicted for their role in the cyberbullying case that allegedly led to the suicide of an 18-year old girl.

Dozens of people filled the stands inside Etheredge Field at La Marque High School Saturday afternoon.

Sign up for Patch’s daily newsletter for your neighborhood.

Prayers were recited, bands played, and the community came together to show support for those people who’ve endured online bullying.

The Texas City Community was rocked in November when Brandy Vela shot herself to death after enduring months of relentless online tormenting.

Three months later, Texas City High School sophomore Bailie Lundy, 15, committed suicide in a neighborhood park.

Brandy’s father, Raul Vela helped organize the event to show the community that together they can all make a difference.

"I want the whole community to know that we can actually track these cyberbullies," Vela told KHOU.

Andres Villagomez and Karinthya Sanches Romero were arrested and indicted on charges related to the suicide of 18-year old Brandy Vela in November 2016.

On March 17, Texas City Police arrested Andres Arturo Villagomez, 21, and Karinthya Sanchez Romero, 22.

Villagomez, who once dated Vela, is accused of publishing nude photos of the teen and was charged with unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material, a Class A Misdemeanor.

He faces a year in jail and a $4,000 fine, if convicted.

Sanchez-Romero, Villagomez current girlfriend, was charged with two felony counts of stalking and online impersonation, and faces up to 10 years behind bars and a $10,000 for each charge if convicted.

Meanwhile, Lundy’s case is still under investigation and police have not yet determined if she was a victim of cyberbullying like Vela.

However, Lundy’s family was there alongside the Vela’s as a show of love and solidarity.

The state legislature is also considering changes that could make cyberbullying a crime.

State Representative Wayne Faircloth (R-Galveston), said the legislature is working on tougher laws to crack down on cyberbullies.

Senate Bill 179 and House Bill 306, known collectively as "David's Law," is being considered and if passed will protect cyberbullying victims and make cyberbullying a misdemeanor crime.

The bill is named after Alamo Heights high school student David Molak, who killed himself in January 2016 after being subjected to online bullying.

If it is passed, the bill will become law on Sept. 1.

Image: Shutterstock

Don’t forget to like the Houston Patch Facebook Page