“They threatened to take her parents away, leaving her all alone,” Marbella shared with KUVN. While she refrained from discussing her family’s immigration situation, she emphasized that her daughter felt unsafe both at school and within her own home.

Marbella mentioned that Jocelynn had weekly meetings with school counselors, yet she was never made aware of the bullying’s severity. “The school was negligent for not keeping me informed,” she stated.

Gainesville ISD chose not to comment on the specific case but emphasized its commitment to promptly addressing bullying reports and implementing policies to safeguard students. For Jocelynn’s family, this statement offers little solace.

On February 3, Jocelynn was discovered unresponsive at her home. Emergency personnel transported her to the hospital, and for five days, her family held onto hope. Tragically, on February 8, she passed away.

Her funeral took place in the same church where she was baptized, filled with deep sorrow. A small white casket adorned with a crucifix rested at the altar, while a mariachi band played softly from the balcony.

“She was unable to comprehend the events occurring in the world,” remarked Deacon Gelasio Garcia to the mourners. Jocelynn’s obituary celebrated her as a cherished daughter and friend who enjoyed dancing, swinging, and movie nights with her family.

Her story has emerged as a call for compassion and a stark reminder of the severe consequences of bullying—a tragedy that her mother hopes no other family will have to face.