Boston, Massachusetts – A 19-year-old individual has pleaded guilty in juvenile court to charges related to a violent assault on a school principal in Dorchester three years ago. The incident took place at the Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School, where the principal sustained serious injuries during dismissal at the school’s Upper Campus in November 2021.
The assault led to the principal suffering a concussion, a possible rib fracture, swelling to her face, and the back of her head. Reports indicated that the teenager’s mother had threatened the principal the night before the incident had occurred. The accused, who was 16 at the time of the assault, appeared in juvenile court for the legal proceedings.
Following the guilty plea, the judge ordered the teenager to be placed in the custody of the Department of Youth Services for an assessment of her needs over the next 30 to 35 days. The defense attorney mentioned that during her time in custody, the teenager will receive treatment and have the opportunity to reflect on her actions, take responsibility, and receive assistance to move forward.
Despite the defense’s hopes for probation, the judge ruled in favor of DYS custody, emphasizing the severity of the offenses and the serious bodily injuries inflicted on the victim. The teenager’s attorney stated that she has been dealing with mental health issues since the assault, highlighting the complex factors at play in the case.
As part of the court’s decision, the teenager will remain in DYS custody until her 21st birthday. The Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School caters to a diverse student population, including those with disabilities who learn alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms. The school has Upper and Lower Campuses in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to individuals dealing with such challenges to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Moving forward, the focus remains on rehabilitation, accountability, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff within the school community.