Police in Phoenix are investigating a vicious group assault that left a high school student unconscious and hospitalized after she was beaten near a light rail station.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, near 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, while the teen was on her way home from school.
According to the victim and her family, the girl took the light rail after school at Central High School. During the journey, she claims a group of adolescent males harassed her, with one allegedly grabbing her.
When she got off the train, the situation escalated.
The family and 12News watched video footage that showed the girl being taken into the street and assaulted and kicked repeatedly. The assault rendered her unconscious.
She was rushed to the hospital with cuts on her face and a neck injury that necessitated a brace.
Her mother, Lucero Orozco, described the moment she came on the scene as overwhelming.
“When I got to the scene, I remember running, and I was feeling everything, but when I saw her, my body dissociated what was happening,” Orozco stated.
Orozco stated that the emotional toll has been equally terrible as the physical injuries.
“As a parent, you don’t want them to feel that—you can’t shelter them from the world,” she replied. “My daughter is traumatized, and I cannot take that away from her. As a parent, you want to cure things, but this is probably something I can’t.”
Ayane, the teenager, stated that she is still afraid and anxious as a result of the incident.
“I’m just scared,” she admitted. “My heart starts racing quickly. “When I see someone I know, I panic and want to leave.”
Police said the investigation is still underway, and no arrests have been made while detectives attempt to identify people responsible.
Orozco stated that the Phoenix Union High School District had taken steps to make her daughter feel safe returning to school.
“They really are standing up, and I do appreciate the school and the district,” she replied. “They’re doing what they’re supposed to do, and I’m grateful.”
As her daughter recovers, Orozco says the family hopes that sharing their experience would increase awareness and encourage accountability.
“I don’t want her to fall through the cracks,” she replied. “I don’t want my daughter to think someone can do something like this and nothing’s going to happen.”
The family is also dealing with growing medical expenditures as the teen continues to heal. They organized a fundraiser in the hopes that the community would help them. You can find it here.