Gainesville, TX (GB) - A young Texas girl took her own life after reportedly being bullied by her schoolmates over her family’s immigration status. The 11-year-old girl, Jocelyn Rojo Carranza, was found unresponsive by her mom in their Gainesville, Texas, home on February 3, 2025. She died five days later, according to her heartbroken mother. Jocelyn was buried on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, according to her online obituary.
Marbella Carranza, Jocelyn's mom, claimed that her daughter was bullied at Gainesville Intermediate School by fellow students. Jocelyn's school peers mocked her family’s immigration status and threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Marbella told CNN on Wednesday.
In an interview with CNN affiliate station KUVN, Marbella said Jocelyn's school peers threatened to call ICE so "they could take her parents away, and she would be left alone." However, in the interview, Marbella did not address the immigration status of the family.
According to CNN, Marbella has spoken to investigators about what led to her daughter's death, but there’s "nothing concrete" yet. She told the media that she had no previous indications that her daughter was being taunted at school.
Little Jocelyn's funeral was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Gainesville on Wednesday. She was remembered as a "wonderful daughter, sister, niece, and friend to everyone." According to her online obituary, Jocelyn loved to dance, sing, and make TikTok Videos. She also loved swimming and doing cartwheels.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, dial 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
