Navigation

Arrests Made in Rebecca Sedwick Suicide Case

Two Florida girls have been arrested in the death of a 12-year-old Central Florida girl, Rebecca Sedwick. Sedwick committed suicide in September after being cyber bullied for nearly a year. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the two girls arrested are ages 12 and 14...
Share this:

Two Florida girls have been arrested in the death of a 12-year-old Central Florida girl, Rebecca Sedwick.

Sedwick committed suicide in September after being cyber bullied for nearly a year.

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the two girls arrested are ages 12 and 14.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is expected hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give further details on the investigation and arrests.

Sedwick had been a victim of relentless cyber bullying by as many as 15 girls, who posted on messageboards online and through text messages that said she was worthless and that she should kill herself.

The attacks began around 2012, possibly over a boyfriend, according to police.

At first, the bullying was physical until Sedwick left Crystal Lake Middle School to be homeschooled instead. But the bullying followed her online.

Rebecca was "absolutely terrorized on social media," Judd said.

Sedwick then changed her Facebook handle to "That Dead Girl."

On September 9, she climbed a tower at an abandoned concrete plant and threw herself off to her death.

More information on the girls arrested, or if there are any other arrests forthcoming, should be revealed at the news conference Tuesday.

The girls who were arrested have been charged with felony aggravated stalking.

Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter



KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.