WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - Four Rhode Island girls are facing criminal charges following the shocking beating of a 12-year-old girl that was videotaped and posted online.
The disturbing video, originally posted on YouTube and later removed, shows the four-on-one attack that took place last Saturday.
The victim's mother, Holly Gingerella, downloaded the video and took it to police. Following an investigation, officers filed charges against two 12-year-old girls and two 13-year-olds.
"It hurts, it hurts to watch," Gingerella told Eyewitness News, describing the shocking video.
"I was angry. I was upset that I wasn't there. I was hurting for her, I felt her pain, and I just wanted to hold her and take her away and never turn back."
Her daughter was left with bite marks on her body, two black eyes, and swelling in her head.
"She's physically healing," Gingerella said. "I think that emotionally it will take a little bit longer."
Two of the suspects are charged with assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy, the other two are charged with simple assault and conspiracy.
Gingerella says her daughter has not been back to school since the attack, but she has received cards and flowers from friends showing their support.
She hopes her daughter's case will prevent future senseless attacks against children.
"This needs to stop and not continue," says Gingerella. "These kids that they're bulling, these are people's brothers and sisters and grow up to be mothers and fathers and brothers."
