School Turns To Peace Week To Wash Away Bloody Memories
PINECREST, Fla. -- Students, teachers and staff at Southwood Middle School are participating in Peace Week this week, nearly a year after a student at the school had his throat cut in the school bathroom.Organizers want Peace Week to honor slain student Jaime Gough, while shedding the image many in the school feel it has developed since the killing a year ago Thursday. Guest speakers, local dignitaries and celebrities will visit the school during Peace Week. Students will participate in motivational assemblies and student performances. The week will end with a rally Thursday.The nation's attention turned to Southwood last year when Gough's friend and classmate, Michael Hernandez, an eighth-grader, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Police said Hernandez later admitted to the killing. A bloody knife and a now-infamous journal detailing the slaying were found in Hernandez's bookbag, according to investigators.
Hernandez has seen been seen only during his brief appearances in court. A judge determined during one of those recent appearances that the teen is competent to stand trial. Previous Stories:
- October 29, 2004: Teen Accused Of School Murder Appointed Guardian
- August 24, 2004: Hernandez Attorney Hints At Likely Defense Strategy
- June 16, 2004: Police: Dead Student's Blood Found On Classmate's Clothes
- May 14, 2004: Parents: Teen Had Changed Before Murder Arrest
- May 13, 2004: Local 10 Goes Behind Bars; Jailed Teen's Parents Speak
- May 12, 2004: Accused Teen's Parents Discuss Childhood, Journal
- April 9, 2004: 14-Year-Old Murder Victim's Autopsy Results Made Public
- March 31, 2004: Documents: Students Told Guard Twice About Dead Teen
- March 22, 2004: Journal Gives Insights Into Accused Teen Killer's Mind
- February 5, 2004: Slain Student's Parents Speak Out
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