Family members of Xavier Nungaray-Martinez, a 17-year-old student at Franklin High School who died after falling from a fourth-floor corridor on September 30, gathered outside Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters Tuesday to demand the return of school police. The demonstration followed a preliminary ruling by the county medical examiner, which classified the teenager’s death as a suicide, a conclusion his family explicitly rejects.
Challenging the Medical Examiner’s Ruling
William Amaya, the father of the deceased senior, spoke publicly for the first time since the tragedy to contest the official cause of death. “He was not suicidal,” Amaya said, noting that his son had active plans for the future, including starting a new job. While the family awaits toxicology results, they maintain that Xavier did not use drugs and was not struggling with personal issues that would lead to such an act.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple blunt traumatic injuries to the head and torso. The family’s assertion is that the events leading to the fall—specifically a physical altercation—are the central issue, rather than a voluntary act.
Investigating Allegations of Bullying
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed it is investigating claims that bullying may have contributed to the student’s death. Video evidence reviewed by authorities shows Xavier being struck at least six times by a classmate inside a classroom while a teacher attempted to intervene. As Xavier attempted to leave the room, he was struck again from behind, knocking him to the ground before he ran into an outdoor hallway.
A second video shows Xavier reaching the railing, followed by the same student who had been involved in the earlier fight. Moments later, Xavier went over the fourth-floor railing. As of this week, the LAPD stated that detectives have not yet identified evidence establishing a direct connection between the bullying allegations and the death, according to the article. No charges have been filed against the other student involved, who has not been publicly identified.
Demanding a Return of Campus Police
The protest at the district headquarters marks the latest push to reverse the school board’s 2020 decision to remove officers from campuses. Following pressure from activists to defund police, the board voted 4-3 to reduce the school police force by 35% and replace sworn officers with “school climate coaches.”
Stephanie Amaya, a cousin of William Amaya, has launched a petition advocating for a comprehensive safety overhaul. The proposal calls for:
- The reinstatement of on-campus police officers.
- Improved surveillance measures.
- Training for non-police security staff.
- Enhanced internal campus communication.
- The installation of safer railing systems at Franklin High.
While some parents support the push for police, other members of the school community have expressed opposition, focusing instead on the need for increased counseling and mental health resources. Family members clarified that they believe both police presence and better counseling are necessary, arguing that the current security measures are insufficient to deter violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the school district commented on the specific circumstances of the death?
No. An LAUSD spokesperson stated that the district is unable to comment on individual circumstances due to confidentiality and privacy laws, though they expressed condolences to the family and the Franklin High School community.
What is the current status of the investigation into the fight?
The LAPD is conducting an investigation into the incident, but they have not released the identity of the student seen striking Xavier in the video footage. As of Tuesday, no charges have been filed against the classmate involved.
What did the student’s family say about the school environment?
William Amaya, a graduate of Franklin High School, stated that conditions at the school have deteriorated since he attended in the early 2000s. He noted that the campus previously maintained a consistent police presence to break up fights and deter gang influence, a level of security he believes is currently absent.