7 Juveniles Charged in South Side Chicago School Assault on Family
Seven juveniles are facing criminal charges connected to a violent attack on a woman and her children near a Chicago school last month. The incident occurred on November 17 in the South Side neighborhood, close to Orville T. Bright Elementary School.
Incident Overview
Witnesses reported seeing the 33-year-old victim, Corshawnda Hatter, being assaulted, with a video of the event circulating widely on social media. The footage depicts her being punched before she falls to the ground. As a result of the attack, both Hatter and her 9-year-old son required medical attention and were taken to Trinity Hospital in serious condition.
Charges and the Offenders
The minors charged in this case include:
- Three 10-year-old boys
- One 10-year-old girl
- One 11-year-old girl
- One 12-year-old boy
- One 13-year-old girl
All seven juveniles were charged with battery but were released after being referred for counseling services.
Victim’s Experience
Following the attack, Corshawnda Hatter expressed her distress, stating, “So much pain, emotional and physical, I’m not feeling good at all.” She revealed that she had alerted school officials repeatedly over two years about her son being bullied.
Response from Authorities
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) released a statement regarding the violence, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for students and families. The CPS is collaborating with various city departments to support Hatter and her family.
Mayor’s Reaction
Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the incident as unacceptable and affirmed his administration’s dedication to community safety. He noted that additional resources would be deployed in the area to help ensure public safety, targeting violence prevention and youth services.
Community Concerns
The Chicago Teachers Union also expressed their concerns, highlighting the lack of safe passage workers, restorative justice coordination, and engaging after-school programs at Bright Elementary. They stressed the need for better funding to address these community issues effectively.
In summary, this troubling incident has ignited discourse surrounding youth violence, school safety, and community investment, highlighting a pressing need for effective solutions.
