Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SOUTH WHITLEY -ÊA 15-year-old Whitko High School girl remains in critical condition after being beaten by another female juvenile at school.
Jennika Heilbig was admitted Sunday to Parkview Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Heilbig is in a coma reportedly caused by head injuries she suffered in the beating.
The attack occurred March 12 in the school cafeteria. Heilbig suffered visible external injuries and had continued head and neck pain in the days following, before she was taken to the hospital.
Her alleged attacker, a girl just months shy of her 18th birthday, reportedly is facing preliminary juvenile charges in Whitley County of battery causing serious bodily injury.
According to South Whitley police officer, David McKeever, if Heilbig's condition worsens the charges may be upgraded or moved to adult court.
McKeever said officials are "undecided on how to handle it because the final outcome of the girl's injuries are unknown."
Police are investigating rumors that the assault may have been planned and photographed by a group of students. McKeever said they have not confirmed the rumor or recovered any photographs at this time.
Information regarding the case has been forwarded to Whitley County Deputy Prosecutor, Matthew Rentschler.
Rentschler said if found guilty in a juvenile court, the girl could be sentenced to anything from community service to Indiana Girl's School.
Police and Rentschler declined to release the name of the attacker.
