Heartbreaking Loss: 11-Year-Old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza Dies by Suicide After Bullying Over Family’s Immigration Status – Family Demands Justice
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Gainesville, Texas, following the death of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza. The young girl tragically took her own life on February 8 after being subjected to relentless bullying at school. According to her devastated mother, Marbella Carranza, Jocelynn was harassed by classmates who cruelly mocked her and targeted her family due to their immigration status.
Now, Jocelynn’s family is speaking out, calling for justice and seeking to bring awareness to the harmful effects of bullying. They hope that her story will shine a light on the urgent need for accountability and systemic change in schools.
A Nightmare of Taunts and Threats
Jocelynn, a sixth-grader at Gainesville Intermediate School, suffered severe bullying that took a deeply personal toll on her, according to her mother. The cruel harassment often revolved around the threat of her parents being deported.
“They told her they were going to call immigration to take her parents away, leaving her all alone,” Carranza shared in an interview with CNN affiliate KUVN.
Though the family has not publicly disclosed their immigration status, Carranza believes the school was aware of what Jocelynn was enduring. However, she claims that she was never informed about the bullying her daughter was facing.
“She would go to counseling once or twice a week to report what was happening,” Carranza said. “But the school never informed me.”
The School District Responds
In a statement, Gainesville Independent School District did not confirm if they were aware of Jocelynn’s specific case. However, they reiterated their commitment to addressing bullying seriously.
“When we receive reports of bullying, we act quickly to ensure all students are safe, both physically and emotionally,” the district said.
They also noted that privacy laws prevent them from disclosing details about individual students or cases but emphasized that their schools have numerous policies in place to prevent bullying and resolve conflicts.
Carranza remains frustrated and heartbroken, stating, “It’s not fair. The school was negligent in not keeping me informed about what was happening to my daughter.”
A Life Cut Short: Remembering Jocelynn
Jocelynn’s life was tragically cut short when she was found unresponsive in her home on February 3. Despite desperate efforts to save her, she passed away five days later. Her funeral, held on February 14, was a somber occasion where family and friends gathered to say goodbye.
In a poignant moment during the service, a mariachi band played in her honor, filling the church with music as her family grieved. Jocelynn was laid to rest in the same church where she had been baptized as a baby.
“She didn’t understand the cruelties of the world,” said Deacon Gelasio Garcia during the funeral service.
Jocelynn’s obituary described her as a bright and beloved daughter, sister, niece, and friend. She had a passion for dancing and swinging, loved spending time with her family, and enjoyed movie nights with loved ones every Friday.
The Community Mourns
The Boys & Girls Club of Cooke County, where Jocelynn had been an active member, released a tribute in her honor, sharing in the community’s deep sadness.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Jocelynn,” the Club wrote. “Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness — you never know what someone is going through.”
A Call for Change: Raising Awareness
As the investigation into Jocelynn’s death continues, her family is determined to ensure that her tragic story sparks a larger conversation about bullying in schools and the need for change.
Her untimely passing has left a devastated community searching for answers. The outpouring of grief highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable students from bullying and its devastating consequences.
“Absolutely heartbreaking,” one community member commented. “That sweet little girl didn’t deserve this. Bullying must end.”