A Central Regional High School student facing charges related to an in-school assault caught on camera is now facing additional charges.
The incident relates to 14-year-old Adriana Kuch, who died by suicide earlier this month after she was assaulted by a group of students. Her parents say that she was relentlessly bullied.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says that one of the teens accused of being involved in that fight has now been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. That student was originally only charged with harassment.
Authorities announced on Feb. 11 that one student was charged with aggravated assault and could be tried as an adult. Two students were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. And one was charged with harassment. This is the student now facing the additional charge.
Kuch’s father, Michael Kuch, says that she was a victim of excessive bullying at the high school, which ultimately led to her death. He tells News 12 that he plans on pursuing legal action against the four teens accused in the beating, as well as against the school administration.
The incident sparked many protests related to bullying and led to then-Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides stepping down from his role.
Michael Kuch says that he is happy to see another charge filed, but he adds that he is not satisfied with the charges. He says he feels enough isn’t being done regarding the seriousness of the situation.
The father says that he is using his time to advocate for victims of bullying and will ultimately build his case alongside his attorney.
News 12 has learned that the juvenile with the additional charge has been served a copy of the complaint and was released pending future court appearances.