Jamaica College says the student who was beaten by other schoolboys in the viral video had stolen items from his peers. The institution released a statement detailing the findings from its investigation, which began on Saturday, April 18, when it became aware of the video.
It said that boys were identified on Sunday, and by Monday morning, the key individuals were interviewed in the presence of their parents, with written statements obtained.
In a statement addressing the incident, the board of management indicated that the boy seen being attacked had admitted to taking items that did not belong to him. According to the school, the situation escalated after he failed to fully return what was taken, ultimately leading to the confrontation captured on video.
Based on those accounts, the school said the student who was assaulted confessed to taking several items from a group of boys with whom he had been associating. These included a jacket, a pair of glasses, and a sum of money.
The statement noted that he initially denied involvement when confronted, but later admitted to the act and agreed to return the items. While some of the belongings and a portion of the money were reportedly handed back, he failed to make full restitution and missed multiple agreed deadlines.
According to the school’s findings, tensions grew as a result, eventually leading the other students to confront him on campus. The confrontation reportedly took place in a bathroom, where the boys demanded the outstanding items. It was during this exchange that the situation turned physical, resulting in the assault seen in the widely circulated clip.
Jamaica College described the behaviour displayed in the video as “reprehensible” and said it condemns the actions in the strongest terms. The school confirmed that all students involved will now appear before its disciplinary committee, where appropriate action will be determined in line with its policies.
The school reiterated its commitment to student safety and due process as investigations continue.
