State police are investigating whether bullying played a part in the suicide of a Montville teenager.
On 15-year-old Joseph Mendes’ Facebook page the message is clear, “Stop the bullying. Stop the pain.” State Police and the school district are now investigating the allegations of bullying.
"Right now there's nothing of a criminal nature associated with the death. It’s truly is a tragedy. In a situation like this we'll look into every possible thing that might have any bearing on this whatsoever," said Lt. Paul Vance of the state police.
Mendes enrolled at Montville High School last fall and was a honors student. He lived with his grandparents. Teachers and students wore blue and orange Monday in Mendes’ memory and observed a moment of silence.
Despite the allegations of bullying, Superintendent of Schools Pamela Aubin says there is no evidence Mendes was bullied.
“We don’t have any substantiated acts of bullying involving him. We will continue to keep our investigation in case that changes, but I don’t think it will,” said Aubin.
The Superintendent says she worries about the threats now being made on Mendes’ Facebook page and urges people not to speculate.
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“Don’t speculate because we don’t want other students targeted as a consequence of this and assumptions made,” Aubin said.
The school district sent home a letter Monday outlining the steps its taking to deal with the tragedy and urging kids to open up about their feelings.
