Gainesville Mourns 11-Year-Old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza After Tragic Death Linked to Bullying

The community of Gainesville, Texas, is mourning the loss of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, who died by suicide on February 8 after reportedly being bullied over her family’s immigration status. According to her mother, Marbella Carranza, Jocelynn faced relentless taunting at school, including threats that her parents would be taken away. Carranza believes school officials knew about the bullying but never informed her, despite Jocelynn visiting the school counselor weekly.

Gainesville Independent School District released a statement saying it takes all reports of bullying seriously, though it did not confirm knowledge of Jocelynn’s case, citing student privacy laws.

Jocelynn was laid to rest on February 14, surrounded by grieving family and friends. Described as joyful and loving, she enjoyed dancing, movie nights, and time with her family.

Her death has sparked calls for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools. “She didn’t deserve this,” one community member wrote. “Bullying has to stop.”