Dozens of witnesses to line up for Phoebe Prince bully trial

CATHY HAYES,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Friday, September 24, 2010, 10:03 AM

Updated Friday, September 24, 2010, 10:15 AM

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Ashley Longe, Sharon Chanon Velazquez and Flannery Mullins in Franklin-Hampshire Juvenile Court.

US prosecutors are planning to call on up to 50 witnesses in the case against three teenage girls accused of the relentless bullying of Phoebe Prince which led to her taking her own life.

Last January Phoebe Prince hanged herself in her bedroom in South Hadley in Massachusetts. The 15 year old teenager had recently moved to the US with her family from Co. Clare.

Yesterday three of the six teenagers charged earlier this year with bullying Miss Prince appeared at a juvenile court in Massachusetts.
Ashley Longe, Sharon Chanon Velazquez and Flannery Mullins were all 16 when they were charged as youthful offenders with violation of civil rights resulting in bodily harm. Ms Velazquez and Ms Mullins are also charged with stalking

The teens have all been charged as youthful offenders therefore their identities have not been protected. The girls’ attorneys indicated yesterday that they will attempt to have the indictments thrown out of court because of insufficient evidence. All three teenagers have pleaded not guilty.

According to prosecutors the three girls were angry over Ms Prince’s relationship with Austin Renaud, the once boyfriend of Miss Mullins. According to court records Ms Mullins is accused of shouting offensive comments such as “Irish slut” and “stupid slut” at Ms Prince just a few hours before her suicide. She is also accused of threatening to beat up Ms Prince and posting offensive comments about her on Facebook.

Mr Renaud and another teenager Sean Mulveyhill are facing statutory rape charges for allegedly having sexual conduct with Miss Prince. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Their cases are not expected to go to trial until January of 2011.

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twoboys | Oct 14, 2010, 12:22 AM EDT

Very sad. Unfortunately, all of the attention this is getting will not totally eradicate the bullying going on in schools. However, we can hope it will deter it at least some bit. If Sharon Velazquez's Mother would own up to her daugher's culpability instead of crying about all of the negative publicity that has come her way, one could maybe empathize. But seeing her little brat all dolled up for Newsweek is vomitatious!

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katiedarling | Sep 27, 2010, 04:19 PM EDT

Welcome to American high schools. Thank GOD this case is getting so much publicity and that charges have been brought. I wonder if it will make other bullies think twice. Sadly, I doubt that it will, but I can pray. This story is just so heartbreaking. It doesn't seem like that long ago I was there myself - the struggling, depressed, confused high school student. I am sure Phoebe had enough on her plate already without the bullying.

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SeamusMor | Sep 27, 2010, 03:59 PM EDT

The parents of those evil brats should be held accountable civilly.

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thomas409 | Sep 27, 2010, 11:39 AM EDT

Get those little baSTARDS and let them join the army and go to Afganitan for a 'vacation' with the taliban

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rorschach | Sep 25, 2010, 12:56 AM EDT

God bless Phoebe and watch over her. She deserved the chance to live out her life. May justice be done to those who stole it from her.

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crk1971 | Sep 24, 2010, 02:27 PM EDT

The poor girl! I think those three girls were nothing more than jealous of the fact that Phoebe was pretty and her Irish charm and beauty exposed those three girls for what they truly are self conscious and envious monsters. I hope they get what they deserve for the heart ache they are bringing to the Prince family. My heart and prayers go out to that family. I have daughters of my own and I am fearful of the world they are growing up in today. I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope justice prevails.

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