Louis Johnson III was just 10 years old when he died by suicide in April 2023. He was a fifth grader at Legacy Elementary School in Ocala, Florida, at the time of his death. A new lawsuit filed by his parents, Louis Johnson Jr. and Tyka Johnson, claims Louis took his life because of relentless bullying. The Johnsons allege his teacher, Donna White, not only knew about the bullying but also was the worst offender. Now, they want a court to hold the Marion County School Board accountable.
A complaint obtained by Law & Crime outlines the parents’ allegations. “Ms. White constantly, consistently, and relentlessly publicly humiliated minor child Louis Johnson, III in front of his peers, calling him ‘stupid’ and ridiculing him in front of his classmates on several occasions over the span of months,” the document reads.
Additionally, White allegedly “would also recruit other students to ridicule minor child Louis Johnson III and ask these other minor student classmates to agree with her comments that Louis Johnson, III was ‘stupid’ and that he ‘didn’t know anything,'” the complaint claims.
Per a June 2023 report by WCJB, Marion County Public Schools announced it would not renew White’s contract for the following school year. An internal investigation reportedly found White had caused psychological trauma by “verbally insulting, humiliating, and embarrassing students.”
According to the family’s lawsuit, however, White’s firing came too late. The complaint claims the school district “allowed [White’s] behavior to continue for a period of at least 3 – 4 months prior to his death.” The family alleged the school board “did nothing to prevent or correct her behavior.”
The family claims Louis “suffered such mental distress that it manifested itself into physical distress, including thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, crying, nightmares, fear, anguish and embarrassment,” according to the complaint. As a result, Louis died by suicide “after enduring months of bullying and public embarrassment.”
Kirey Whitehead, Louis’ best friend, told WCJB his friend was innocent. “He didn’t deserve it,” Kirey said. “I wish I was there so I could have slapped the gun out of his hand.”
The child added that White’s behavior affected many children. “She screams at a lot of people,” Kirey recalled to WCJB. “Even though they don’t do anything. She makes people cry and she’s very mean. She deserves to be in jail for a little bit. For a long time.”
Kirey’s stepfather, Davaris Nubin, claimed his family tried to get help.
“It started being an ongoing issue every day,” he said, per WCJB. “He would come to me in the car telling me about different issues. So I just told him ‘You know what, we’re going to tell your mom, we’re going to get this figured out.’ My fiancée went to her multiple times about it and still nothing has gotten done.”
Following Louis’ death, Wenter Johnson created a GoFundMe account for his family. “For those of you who knew him, you were the lucky ones. He would light up any room with his infectious smile. Through this page we not only want to give LJ the voice he deserves, but to bring awareness to suicide as a result of adult bullying against children,” a post on the page reads in part. “Such a permanent decision, influenced by a trusted adult, that has altered the lives of many, As we come together to honor his memory, we ask for your support in raising funds to help ease the financial burden that has been placed upon our family.”
The family has raised nearly $22,000 of a $30,000 goal.
Per WCJB, Louis’ family is seeking at least $75,000 in damages in the lawsuit. It is unclear when they will appear in court next.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
