By Jessica Taloney Reporter
Published: Thu, August 30, 2007 - 6:22 pm
Last Updated: Fri, August 31, 2007 - 12:54 pm
Last Updated: Fri, August 31, 2007 - 12:54 pm
Jessica Taloney
Dominick Harris, 17, was expelled from school after Murphy High School principal Doug Estle said Harris used a cell phone to record another student punching a 61-year old English teacher in the face.
Councilman Fred Richardson, who represents District One, insists Harris thought 16-year old Randolph Parker was only going to spray the teacher with water.
News Five first showed you surveillance video of the attack in May, when Harris and Parker were both charged with 2nd degree assault, which carries up to ten years in jail. Since then, Harris was released from jail on $5,000 bond.
"It's clear that Randolph Parker hit the teacher," said Richardson, who has written letters to the school superintendent and school board members asking that Harris be allowed back in school. "They said he (Harris) had a camera phone, other kids had their phones there too," said Richardson.
Mobile County School Superintendent Harold Dodge says he's received Richardson's letters, but does not plan to change his decision. Dodge says he believes Harris and Parker plotted the attack together.
"My outside opinion is that it was premeditated," said Dodge. "The school district's position is real clear. Our number one goal is the health, safety, and welfare of our children."
Dodge says Harris may be eligible to attend the school district's alternative school with other students who have been in trouble, but he will not be allowed at any of the district's regular public schools.
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I have only heard parts of this stor but I did see the video.
This boy is GUILTY!! If he was “accidentally” involved, what are the chances that he was innocently standing there with his camera phone, recording nothing. There was nothing focused (centered) before the incident appeared in front of him! This young man may not have physically participated but he definately participated in this event and deserves the same punishment as the others!
P.S. Don’t people like get suspended for having phones on during school?!?