PRIMGHAR, Iowa (KTIV) -
In April, an openly-gay 14-year-old Northwest Iowa student killed himself, leaving his classmates, community, and even his own family in disbelief.
Friends said he was taunted. Family members blamed bullying. The sheriff launched an investigation, which is now complete.
O'Brien County Sheriff Michael Anderson says in the two months since Kenneth Weishuhn took his life, investigators combed over the physical evidence, and put everyone the teen knew under the microscope, especially the four classmates accused of taunting the teen. Among the allegations: they left death threats on Kenneth's voice mail and started a "God Hates Gays" Facebook page.
In the end, County Attorney Micah Schreurs determined the fellow students were not at fault.
"I really don't want to ruin somebody else's life, or take someone else's son or daughter from them," said Kenneth's mother Jeannie Chambers.
Speaking to us the day after her son's death, Chambers was hesitant about going after the teens she blamed for bullying her son to death. Now, we learn they won't be charged.
Anderson said investigators found evidence of indirect harassment: snide comments in the hallways, and Facebook postings. However, indirect comments are not a crime. Instead, they're actually considered a freedom of speech.
Anderson also believes that South O'Brien school leaders did all they could, as most of bullying alleged by family, happened off school grounds. His office only provided the evidence, it was the county attorney that made the decision not to press charges, and it's not exactly giving the community closure.
"They have no accountability for their involvement," said Mindy Johnson.
Johnson's daughter Lennie was Kenneth's best friend.
"She broke into tears because she was concerned about Kenneth and knowing that kids were harassing him and saying hateful things," said Johnson.
Just days before his death Mindy said Lennie asked him if he was contemplating suicide.
"She said, don't ever do that. He said, 'I would never do that, my life is too good right now.' Because he was so positive, he seemed so safe," remembered Johnson.
Johnson said the bad behavior at South O'Brien continued after Kenneth's death. She's not the only parent raising red flags over the county attorney's decision.
"There should have been some sort of consequences for their actions. They should have been used as an example that this sort of thing is not going to be tolerated," said Toni Wulf.
"You're always stuck with why? But, now that you know that this was a factor, what are you going to do about it," asked Johnson.
Kenneth's story did more than send shock waves across the community. It was picked up by media across the country. Even Madonna shows Kenneth's picture in a montage during one of the songs on her world tour.
Now, those who loved him just hope in his death he can make a difference.
The superintendent and school board members had no comment on the case. Parents have organized a support group for those affected by bullying and suicide. They're trying to work with the school to implement tougher policies, and find ways to bring students together.
The student group is called Buddy Up. There's also a group for adults called Be Buddies. Call (712) 957-3146 or email foreverfriendstransport@gmail.com.
