OXON HILL, Md. — The parents of Kayla Caldwell, a 14-year-old girl brutally attacked in a school utility closet, are calling for arrests of the students involved, insisting the incident was a criminal act.
A rally at Potomac High School on Monday reignited attention to Kayla’s case. Her mother, Juanita Caldwell, has urged the Prince George’s County State Attorney’s Office to pursue justice.
According to Caldwell, six students involved in the December 5 attack have been expelled, but she claims a seventh participant remains unaccounted for. The Prince George’s County School District stated that “appropriate disciplinary action was taken,” but declined to confirm specifics, citing privacy laws.
“The safety of students is our top priority,” the district’s statement read, noting that school safety personnel and staff conducted an investigation and contacted the student’s family.
The attack, captured on video, shows Kayla being punched while on the floor of a closet. She sustained a broken nose, a broken hand, and multiple bruises.
Juanita Caldwell expressed frustration at the lack of arrests, arguing the attack was premeditated and connected to prior altercations involving her daughter.
“This is not a random act,” she said. “The ringleader punched my child at Thurgood Marshall Middle School. This is a pattern.”
She emphasized the need for consequences to prevent further violence.
“If these kids don’t face serious repercussions, the next incident could cost someone their life,” she added.
The Department of Juvenile Services is reviewing the case, and while pressing criminal charges may be challenging, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy is advocating for stronger action.
After meeting with Kayla’s family, Braveboy described the incident as “devastating” and contacted the Department of Juvenile Services to explore legal options.
“It’s crucial to send a strong message that violence in our schools will not be tolerated,” Braveboy said. She also criticized the delayed notification, saying her office first learned of the attack through media reports.
Braveboy is urging state lawmakers to reform juvenile justice laws to address violent offenses in schools more effectively.
Meanwhile, Juanita Caldwell is focused on her daughter’s safety, as some of the alleged attackers live nearby.
“The person who attacked her lives right in the next complex,” she said. “Even if they’re expelled, they can still harm my child outside of school. I need arrests to ensure her safety.”
