Douglas County, Georgia — Authorities in Douglas County are continuing an investigation into the death of Jada West, a 12-year-old student who attended Mason Creek Middle School, after an altercation with another student that reportedly occurred shortly after she got off a school bus.
The case is currently being handled by the Villa Rica Police Department, which is working alongside the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office to review evidence related to the incident.
Investigators are examining videos that circulated on social media showing the confrontation between students.
According to family members, the incident occurred on March 5 when Jada West was involved in an argument with another student while riding the school bus.
The disagreement reportedly escalated after the students exited the bus near her home, leading to a physical fight outside school grounds.
Video footage from the scene shows Jada West engaged in a confrontation with another girl. In the footage, she appears able to walk away from the altercation. However, shortly afterward, her condition reportedly worsened.
Rashunda McLendon, the mother of Jada West, said she learned about the incident when one of her daughter’s friends ran to her home to alert her that a fight had taken place nearby. McLendon rushed to the scene and found her daughter in distress.
Emergency responders transported Jada West to Tanner Medical Center for treatment. Due to the seriousness of her condition, she was later transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite where doctors attempted to stabilize her. Despite those efforts, Jada West died on Sunday.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the official cause of death.
Officials said the medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine whether the injuries sustained during the altercation contributed to the fatal outcome.
The tragedy has left Rashunda McLendon grieving the loss of her only child. She said her daughter had recently begun attending Mason Creek Middle School and had experienced difficulties adjusting after enrolling.
Members of Jada West’s family have called for justice and are asking investigators to determine exactly what happened during the incident.
Her relatives say they want answers about the circumstances that led to the confrontation and whether additional measures could have prevented the situation.
The Douglas County School System released a statement expressing condolences to the family of Jada West and the school community.
Officials clarified that the altercation did not occur on school property and did not take place during school hours.
To support students and staff affected by the tragedy, the district announced that a team of counselors and psychologists would be available at Mason Creek Middle School to help members of the school community cope with the loss.
Meanwhile, investigators with the Villa Rica Police Department continue reviewing witness statements, video recordings, and other evidence as they work to determine whether criminal charges may be filed in connection with the death of Jada West.
