A Mississippi mother is fighting for justice for her son, who says he was attacked at school.
Stacey Payton of Wiggins says she lives a simple, uncomplicated life. But news of an attack on her 15-year old son at school has catapulted her family into the national spotlight. Two weeks ago, Payton's son, a sophomore and football player, told his parents he was choked with a noose in the locker room at Stone County High School.
"He said mom don't panic, please don't call the school. It's been handled. I don't want you to get upset. Just please don't panic and the expression on his face was one of horror. He was afraid," said Payton.
Payton says her son, an honor roll student, said the kids were juniors and seniors. She says at least two hours passed before the school contacted her about the incident. Payton says she has been to the high school several times and was told they can't tell her who was involved or what disciplinary action will be taken. Her frustration led her to speak openly about the attack at her son's football game where she met a member of the NAACP. State President Derrick Johnson.
"We want to make sure that all those involved are held accountable if the investigation bares the facts out," said Johnson.
Captain Ray Boggs with the Stone County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case. He says they've contacted the FBI.
"I want her to know and her family to know that we are going to do everything we can to get this situation rectified and into the court system," said Boggs.
Boggs says the high profile case involves juveniles and will take time to process. Payton's son and others tell her there were four boys involved but she says it's been narrowed down to one by the school. Payton says parents tell her that student has been sent to the alternative school. The Stone County School District Attorney has not returned our calls for comment.
