Family of bullied student Jalyah Thompson appeals to Rockford Mayor for change
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Almost two months have passed since 11-year-old Eisenhower Middle School student Jalyah Thompson took her own life, according to her family.
Her aunt, Kyla Trevino, said the family is still processing their grief.
'After the funeral, people kind of went on with their lives. They have work. They have things to do. But for the family, we are still struggling. And, you know, today is kind of hard because I'm still not comfortable talking about her without getting emotional,' she said.
On Friday, Trevino, who started the group 'With Love, Jalyah,' met with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara to ensure other children don't experience the same tragic fate.
The family maintains that was a victim of bullying beginning in November 2024. They say, that the bullying was what led to Jalyah taking her life.
'We came out here to talk to the mayor to get some pointers and advice on how to pursue with, you know, sharing this story and getting things out there and trying to get things started in her honor,' Trevino said.
McNamara said the City affirmed its commitment to help the family see change through.
'We do not forget Jalyah's name and that we as a community, through this tragedy, through this tremendous amount of pain, use it as a driver of purpose, a driver of making sure that other children in our community don't have to go through this and have those same feelings that Jalyah obviously had towards the end of her life,' he said.
The family hopes to have a day established in Jalyah's name, not only to spread awareness of bullying but to celebrate a bright light that dimmed too soon.
Anyone who wants further updates, visit the 'With Love Jalyah' Facebook .
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Wanted Rockford man in custody after drug and weapons raid by US Marshals
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Stormi Dixon, 41, after raiding his residence on Thursday. Around 12:30 p.m., US Marshals and RPD went to the 600 block of 3rd. Street to search for Dixon, who was wanted for delivering cocaine and having a firearm while being a felon. Authorities forced their way into the apartment and took Dixon into custody after he was found in the attic. Officers found cocaine, digital scales, a loaded handgun and over $1,000 in cash. Dixon successfully evaded officers in a Chevy Tahoe and on foot on May 2nd. Dixon is charged with possession of a weapon by a felon, manufacturing and delivering cocaine, aggravated fleeing from police while driving 21 miles per hour over the limit and resisting an officer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan sentenced to 7.5 years in prison
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has been sentenced to 7 and a half years in prison on bribery and corruption charges. A jury convicted Madigan earlier this year of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud in a high-profile corruption trial. He was also ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine. The jury could not reach a decision on six of the 23 counts against him, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, after deliberations that lasted more than 10 days. Ultimately, he was convicted on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual called it a 'historic' conviction, ranking high among top public corruption cases tried in Chicago's federal courthouse. He said that Illinois residents have a right to trust in their government.' The trial, which began in October, featured more than 60 witnesses, including a congresswoman, business leaders and former state legislators. Madigan, 83, served as House speaker for more than 30 years, becoming the longest serving U.S. legislator, and earned the nickname the 'Velvet Hammer' for his forceful yet quiet leadership style. He left political office in 2021 while under investigation and was indicted the following year. First elected to the Legislature in 1970, Madigan was speaker of the state House from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans were in control. He set much of Illinois' political agenda by deciding which legislation would be voted on and by controlling several campaign funds. He also oversaw political mapmaking. Among his crimes: Madigan used his influence to pass legislation that benefited companies like ComEd, which gave kickbacks, jobs, and contracts to Madigan loyalists in return. Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) reacted to the sentencing, saying, 'I hope the entirety of his trial sends a message to every corrupt politician watching: The people of Illinois deserve better—not the corrupt cesspool Madigan and his cronies created. Sadly, there are currently 57 state lawmakers, including those from the Rockford area, who received funding from or maintain ties with Madigan. Another reason that Illinois needs real ethics reform now.' Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) said, 'No one is above the law. Speaker Madigan was found guilty of gaming the system for personal gain. The people of Illinois expect more from their leaders and deserve an ethical state government. We need to stop the culture of pay-to-play politics that has allowed corruption to run rampant in Illinois for decades'. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Sterling Police seek assistance in locating missing woman
STERLING, Ill. (WTVO) — Sterling Police have put out an alert for a missing woman, 22-year-old Adrieannah Carmona. According to police, Carmona was last seen on June 9th at 10:20 a.m. in the area of the 1000 block of 7th Avenue, Rock Falls. Police described Carmona as a Hispanic female, last seen wearing a plain black shirt, black knit shorts, and her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was reported missing by her family, police said. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Sterling Police at 815-632-6640. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
