🔹 Gov. Murphy says state bullying review possible after Bayville teen suicide aftermath

🔹 4 juveniles face charges after an apparent videotaped fight before Adriana Kuch took her life

🔹 Murphy says existing NJ bullying law has 'big impact but clearly not a universal impact'


A statewide review or reexamination of anti-bullying efforts in schools could be a direct response to the recent suicide of a 14-year-old in Ocean County, according to Gov. Phil Murphy when asked about the issue on Tuesday.

Bayville resident Adriana Kuch took her own life on Feb. 3, shortly after she was involved in an in-school assault that was videoed and shared to social media.

Gov Murphy on NJ bullying review after Adriana Kuch suicide (via Facebook)
(Gov. Phil Murphy via Facebook)
loading...

At an event at a Newark high school, Murphy was asked by a reporter if there would be “anything from the state in terms of bullying in that school in particular or just statewide.”

“I can’t say specifically — but the answer will be yes, we always look in the mirror after something like this. And this is an awful, awful, awful tragedy,” Murphy said, remembering “this precious little 14-year-old girl.”

On Saturday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer confirmed to the Associated Press that four juveniles were facing charges after the apparent fight caught on video.

One teen was charged with aggravated assault, two were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and the fourth was charged with harassment.

All four were released to their families, pending future court appearances.

Central Regional High School (Berkeley Township NJ, Google Maps)
Central Regional High School (Berkeley Township NJ, Google Maps)
loading...

Murphy says existing NJ bullying law has 'big impact but clearly not a universal impact'

The governor said that the bullying bill of rights law he signed early last year — dubbed Mallory’s Law, in remembrance of 12-year-old Mallory Grossman — “had a big impact but clearly not a universal impact.”

"Mallory's Law" revised provisions required in school district's anti-bullying policy and allows for the civil liability of guardians of any minor found guilty of harassment or cyber-harassment.

The Central Regional High School superintendent resigned last weekend after the Daily Mail published his responses to questions about the fight and subsequent suicide — in which he said Adriana had a troubled history and downplayed potential accusations of bullying.

“We can’t react to something with nothing,” Murphy added.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

OMG! Cutest pets in New Jersey!

Is your pet cuter? Enter the New Jersey 101.5 Cutest Pets Contest until Feb. 12, 2023. Here are some entries so far.

Every NJ celebrity with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

50 Most Popular Chain Restaurants in America

YouGov investigated the most popular dining brands in the country, and Stacker compiled the list to give readers context on the findings. Read on to look through America's vast and divergent variety of restaurants—maybe you'll even find a favorite or two.

Most Controversial Celebrity Magazine Covers Ever

Below, discover the most controversial celebrity magazine covers to ever hit the newsstands.

25 richest people in America and how they did it

Stacker compiled a list of the 25 wealthiest people in the country and how they've maintained their fortune.

LOOK: Here's where people in every state are moving to most

Stacker analyzed the Census Bureau's 2019 American Community Survey data to determine the three most popular destinations for people moving out of each state.