Gerrard Kaonga
Aliyah Konton disappeared after a video of her being bullied began circulating on social media.
A Massachusetts high school has been hit hard by the news that Aliyah Konton was missing.
The 15-year-old had recently moved to the Mashpee High School in Cape Cod and was allegedly a victim of a ruthless bullying incident.
In footage that spread on social media platforms like Snapchat, Aliyah is seen being repeatedly punched in the face by one girl, while an accomplice films the incident.
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After being hit repeatedly and pulled by the hair, she is told to lick the bathroom floor. She at first hesitates before being slapped again and forced to put her face on the floor.
The incident was believed to have taken place on May 25 but parents at the school were not made aware of this until Aliyah was reported missing 8 days later.
An 'intense search using multiple local, state and federal resources' began after Aliyah disappeared from her Mashpee home and news of the attack was released.
In a post on Facebook on Monday, the Mashpee Police Department warned she may be in danger.
Many parents took to Facebook to help in the search for Aliyah as well as condemn the school for its lack of communication.
“The lack of communication and the complete lack of accountability and consequences of perpetrators in the school system are beyond disgraceful,” wrote one mother of children at the school online.
“I hope to God she's found safe and alive and those kids on that video face the consequences of their horrific actions,” added another.
Thankfully, Aliyah was found safe on June 5 and the Police gave another update on Facebook about her discovery.
“I couldn’t be more relieved. I’m so grateful to all of our first responders and all of the community that has gone out and helped to bring her home safely,” said Cathy Lewis, the vice chair of the Mashpee School Committee.
During the search for Aliyah, Mashpee Police Chief Scott Carline issued a statement saying charges had been filed against the girl in connection with the alleged assault.
Carline also said: “We realize this series of events have caused great concern and attention from the public and we continue to deploy all available resources to safely bring this case to a successful resolution within the parameters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts juvenile laws.”
UNILAD has contacted Mashpee High School for comment.