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Still no charges in death of Howard High student

Megan Pauly/Delaware Public Media

Wilmington Police are still not ready to file charges in the death of 16-year-old Howard High student Amy Joyner-Francis.

Joyner-Francis died April 21st from injuries she sustained during an assault in a bathroom at Howard.

Wilmington Police chief Bobby Cummings said Monday night during a town hall he expected charges would be filed by the end of the week, but today (Friday) explained the investigation is complex and requires more time.

“There are over 3,000 printed pages of data alone that must be painstakingly reviewed by investigators on this case," said Cummings. "Because there is still a lot of work left to do by our detectives and the Attorney-General’s office in terms of reviewing evidence and relevant facts, we are not in position at this time to file charges. ”

Cummings adds his department and AG's office are working to wrap up their work as quickly as possible, but are committed to doing a thorough job and ensure a successful prosecution.

“While I understand that the media is interested in the process of this case, we all have an obligation to Amy’s family, to her classmates at Howard High School, and to the community to present information to the public that is based on facts, not rumors," said Cummings  "Assuch, I wanted to confirm that there were no weapons used in this attack."

That was the only new information present by Cummings at a brief Friday afternoon media briefing where Cummings fielded no questions.

Police have been focusing their investigation on three persons of interest allegedly involved the fight that cost Joyner-Francis her life.

Tom Byrne has been a fixture covering news in Delaware for three decades. He joined Delaware Public Media in 2010 as our first news director and has guided the news team ever since. When he's not covering the news, he can be found reading history or pursuing his love of all things athletic.
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