In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Detroit, a 12-year-old girl stands accused of launching an acid attack on another child, an 11-year-old girl, in a local park. The victim, Deaira Summers, sustained chemical burns from the incident which took place at a playground.
In a formal announcement, Kym Worthy, the Prosecuting Attorney for Wayne County, disclosed that the juvenile suspect has been charged with assault with intent to inflict significant bodily harm, as well as felonious assault. These allegations, Worthy expressed, are highly distressing, demonstrating the damaging consequences instant, poor decision-making can cause.
Worthy stated emphatically, “This is an extremely troubling set of allegations. Instant horrible decision-making can have lifelong effects on others. There is no excuse for this.”
The narrative of the July 9th assault was shared by Dominique Summers, mother of the victim, in a GoFundMe appeal created to aid her daughter’s recovery. Dominique recounted that Deaira was at the park with siblings and cousins when a dispute arose between her cousin and the young attacker.
In an alarming twist, Dominique alleged that the chemical agent used in the attack was supplied by the assailant’s mother. Speaking to Fox Detroit, she said, “Her mother met her in the park and gave her the chemical to throw on the kids, and she told the kids that’s what they get for messing with her daughter.”
All involved escaped unscathed, apart from Deaira, who suffered immediate visible damage. “Holes were coming in her clothes,” her mother revealed. The young victim was promptly taken to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with second and third-degree burns on her back.
Recalling the horrifying incident, Deaira revealed to the news outlet, “Two seconds after it hit me, it started burning.” Her mother noted that Deaira has been struggling with sleep and eating since the traumatic event.
The matter is under investigation by the Detroit Public Schools Community District since the incident occurred on school district property. However, the district clarified, “The incident did not involve our employees or was it connected to a District or school event. This is a community matter involving two families that do not both attend our school district or the school.”
The accused girl has been instructed to avoid any contact with Deaira or any witnesses and is slated to make a court appearance on Tuesday.
If it turns out the 12-year-old’s mother supplied the acid one would expect that she also would be charged in this case.
This incident is very disturbing. It’s an unfortunate reminder of how quickly life can be irrevocably altered by thoughtless actions.
RELATED: Michigan House Passes Bill Making Use of Wrong Pronouns a Possible Felony, Fines Up To $10,000