Two years after the tragic death of their 11-year-old son, the parents of Louis Johnson III (LJ) have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County School Board in Florida.
The grieving parents are alleging that the school failed to protect their child from persistent bullying by a fifth-grade teacher.
Keep reading to know all the details.
LJ died by suicide on April 27, 2023. His parents, Tyka Johnson and Louis Johnson Jr., claim in the lawsuit—filed April 21, 2025—that their repeated concerns about the teacher’s treatment of their son were ignored by school officials.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the Johnsons allege that the teacher, referred to as Donna White (though school records list her as Dawn), relentlessly humiliated LJ in class, calling him “stupid” and mocking him in front of his peers over several months.
The complaint also claims White encouraged other students to join in the ridicule, urging them to agree that LJ “didn’t know anything.” The Johnsons say this ongoing emotional abuse contributed to their son’s anxiety, depression, and eventual suicide.
The family is seeking a jury trial, stating in the filing that the school board’s inaction amounted to negligence.
Following LJ’s death, the Johnsons began distributing suicide prevention flyers at the school, which later launched an internal investigation into the teacher’s behavior.
According to the investigation findings, 24 students — including 12 from White’s own classroom — came forward, claiming the teacher regularly belittled students, discussed their grades publicly, and in some cases, reduced children to tears. As a result, White’s contract was not renewed.
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In the wake of LJ’s death, his family also created a GoFundMe page, which further detailed the impact of the alleged bullying and celebrated the boy’s short life.
“LJ was the youngest of four and so full of potential and promise,” the family wrote. “He loved the beach, catching crabs, making TikTok recipes, and was a huge advocate for the homeless… If he saw a homeless person, he immediately said, ‘Dad, we gotta pray for that person.’”
The family described him as “a much-loved son, brother, uncle, and friend” whose infectious smile could light up any room.
“We not only want to give LJ the voice he deserves,” the page continued, “but bring awareness to suicide as a result of adult bullying against children. Such a permanent decision, influenced by a trusted adult, has altered the lives of many.”
They are now asking for support to help cover ongoing financial burdens as they continue to seek justice in LJ’s name.
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