Teen Bully Convicted for Harrassment

[AKA2D '91]

Teen Convicted in Suicide Case
Mon Mar 25, 8:43 PM ET

VANCOUVER, Canada - A Canadian court convicted a 16-year-old girl Monday of criminal harassment in connection with the suicide of a classmate.


Prosecutors accused the girl of bullying Dawn-Marie Wesley, 14, who hanged herself in November 2000. In her suicide note, Wesley named some former friends who prosecutors said taunted and bullied her in the days before her death.

The 16-year-old, who name was not released because she is a minor, faces up to six months in custody or two years probation. Officials did not say when she would be sentenced.

A second 16-year-old was acquitted. Youth Court Judge Jill Rounthwaite said prosecutors failed to prove their case. A third girl has yet to go to trial.

Prosecutors said the other teens had accused Dawn-Marie of spreading lies, prosecutors said.

Cindy Wesley said she was satisfied with the judge's verdict in her daughter's death, saying it will alert teen-agers that they must think before they issue threats.

"I believe that from Dawn-Marie's experience in her short little life that there has to be a learning," she said.