OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Two years after the death of 10-year-old Louis “LJ” Johnson III, his parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board, alleging that their son was driven to suicide by months of bullying by a teacher at Legacy Elementary School.
Filed in Marion County circuit court, the lawsuit claims that fifth-grade teacher Donna Marie White “continuously, consistently, and relentlessly” bullied LJ in front of his classmates, often calling him “stupid” and recruiting other students to agree with her verbal attacks. The suit states that this pattern of behavior took place over several months during LJ’s time at Legacy Elementary, located at 8496 Juniper Road in Ocala.
According to the complaint, White not only insulted and humiliated LJ publicly but encouraged his peers to participate in the ridicule, creating what the family calls an environment of “relentless psychological torment.”
LJ’s parents, Tyka and Louis Johnson Jr., allege they repeatedly raised concerns with the school and the district, requesting meetings and asking for the teacher’s behavior to be addressed. Despite their efforts, the lawsuit claims, “no meaningful action was taken by the school board” to protect their son.
The Johnsons say their child experienced severe emotional suffering as a result of the bullying, including anxiety, depression, nightmares, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. They argue that LJ ultimately saw no way to escape the daily humiliation and distress he endured at school. He died by suicide on April 27, 2023.
The family is seeking damages, citing the school board’s failure to intervene and stop the alleged abuse. The complaint also holds the district responsible for allowing an employee’s behavior to continue unchecked for three to four months, despite being notified.
As of Wednesday, the Marion County School Board has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. White is not currently listed as an employee on the district’s website.